Bea Stroup of Russellville passed away from this life on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. She was born February 16, 1940 at Old Mines, MO to Amos and Theresa Pratt. At just 6 years old, her father died and she and her 4 brothers were taken in by relatives. Bea's Aunt Ollie McCall opened her home and heart to her and raised her as her own. Throughout Bea's life, she was devoted to caring for others, as a professional caregiver for over 40 years at Bonne Terre Hospital in Bonne Terre, MO where she cared for thousands. When not at work, she cared for all around her, including many family members, friends, neighbors and often strangers. She loved those who were often on the edges of society and she had a gift of making everyone in her presence feel as though they were special. She was known as Bea, Myrt, mom, Granny B and aunt, but her most favorite name was Nee Nee. Bea moved to Russellville, AR in 1998 to be Nee Nee to her only granddaughter Ellie and share life with her daughter and son-in-law. Bea was a loyal friend who loved to laugh. When you became friends with her – you were friends for life. After moving to Arkansas, Bea became a Senior Companion for Area Agency on Aging. She loved her clients and they loved her. In her 12 years in that position she was awarded the Governor's Award for Community Volunteerism and AAA Volunteer of the Year. She also worked as a private caregiver as well as the before and after care worker at St. John's Catholic School. Bea could walk into the darkest of situations and brighten up a room. She was a cheerleader to all, quick witted and always ready to share her political opinions. She was preceded in death by her birth parents; her adopted mom, Ollie McCall; sister, Evelyn Womack, Gen Mahurin; brothers, Harry Pratt, Bernard Pratt, Lee Pratt, Len McCall and a special nephew and her closest friend, Jeff Womack.

Bea is survived by her only daughter, Patti Butler and husband Paul of Russellville, AR; her granddaughter, and light of her life, Ellie Butler of Russellville, AR; two brothers, Charlie Pratt of Seattle, WA, Amos McCall of Farmington, MO. She is also survived by nieces and nephews that were as close as any brother or sister could be and countless friends, neighbors, family members and co-workers.

A celebration of her life in Christ will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Russellville on Sunday, May 29, 2016, at 3:00P.M. by Rev. Roy Smith and Rev. Gail Brooks.

Rather than flowers, please make memorial donations to one of the following ministries that Bea loved.

More Than Manna @ First United Methodist Church Russellville, 304 S. Commerce, Russellville, AR 72801 or Senior Companion Program, AAA WCA, 915 S. Arkansas Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online guest book and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com