Carla Nell Grimes Lemmeyer, 73, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on January 6, 2026. She was born June 16, 1952, in Littlefield, Texas, and carried that West Texas warmth with her everywhere she went. She made her home in Bella Vista and became a steady, joyful presence in the community she loved.

Carla's faith shaped her life. She was deeply involved at Highlands Methodist Church in Bella Vista, where she sang in the choir and led the church grief group several times, offering comfort with compassion and calm strength. She also volunteered faithfully at Gravette Care and Share every Friday morning, always showing up with a smile and a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

If you knew Carla, you knew her for her kindness and humor. She always had a smile and a helping hand for anyone who needed it, whether they were family, friends, or strangers. Her love and encouragement were constant, and her presence had a way of making life feel lighter.

Carla was a fighter. She survived breast cancer in 1995 and faced every challenge with grit and grace. Ultimately, she succumbed to glioblastoma after a quick and valiant fight over the last three months, surrounded by love.

Carla shared a deep love with her husband, Ralph James Lemmeyer, the absolute love of her life, who was taken too soon. Their bond was a cornerstone of her life, and she carried him in her heart always.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Chester Grimes and Anna Mae Tait Grimes; her husband, Ralph James Lemmeyer; and her siblings, Gerald Grimes, Bill Grimes, Sydney Grimes Oden, and Jimmie Grimes.

She is survived by her four children: Timothy McWilliams, Tracey McGuire (Michael), Paul Lemmeyer (Melissa), and Penny Grader (Tom); 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy; her brother, Tom Grimes (Kay); sister-in-law, Michele Gilbert; along with extended family, church family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A memorial service will be held at Highlands Methodist Church, 371 Glasgow Road, Bella Vista, AR 72715 on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  A live stream at https://facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for-carla-/1529461188356502/ will be available for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations or acts of service in Carla's memory to Highlands Methodist Church or Gravette Care and Share, continuing the kind of love she lived every day.