It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my mom, Sally Price Conway Whittenberg, on June 26, 2021.  I know where she is and who she is with. That gives Margaret and me comfort.  As we cry and wave goodbye, she is greeted by loved ones waving and welcoming her to heaven.  She is no longer in the agony of dementia; she is free.

It is difficult to write in a few paragraphs how I feel.  She loved her students, even the ornery ones!  Teaching one of you how to read was her joy in life.  I'd like to share one of her papers with you:

"Although teaching was not my original goal, my college advisor recognized the innate teacher within me.  His wisdom and gentle persuasion directed me toward the lifelong career choice for which I was intended.

He likened teaching to gardening.  I work in my garden daily.  I fertilize with passion by teaching children to read and water with my experience.  I help enable a child to lead a productive, responsible life; I grow men."

Sally was born on December 29, 1934, in Picher, Oklahoma to Tommie and Louise "Lou" Price.  She had three children: Tom, Buff and Melee whom she adored and, in her words, would take on a bear in the woods with a stick to protect us.  Retiring at seventy-five years of age, her teaching career spanned decades and states, Missouri, California and Arkansas.  She was a fabulous cook and could prepare meals for two or two hundred.  Her knowledge of homeopathy, alternative medicine was remarkable.  Sally loved to read and continued learning throughout her life. She always had a plan.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Tommie and Louise Price; her sons, Tom and Buff Conway and her grandson, Ryan Price Barnes.

Sally is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melee (John) Barnes of Bella Vista, Arkansas; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (David) Thomas of Miami, Oklahoma; a granddaughter, Amanda Conway of Rogers, Arkansas; grandsons, Quade Conway of Dinwiddie, Virginia, and Dylan Conway of Clarksville, Tennessee; six great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter; two nephews, Murray and Marty Seat of Oklahoma.

Per her wishes, there will be no service.  She prefers we be happy, healthy and love each other as God intended…and to always have a plan.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.