Bertha Louise Kelchner, age 86 of Springdale, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. She was born on July 12, 1939 in Spring Town, Arkansas to the late Earl and Trula Rutherford. After high school in Siloam Springs, Louise married Loren Eugene Kelchner on August 4, 1956 in Stillwell, Oklahoma. They had two children, Steven Earl and Janet Diane while living in Siloam Springs. Later after moving to Springdale, they had two daughters, Sandra Gail and Brenda Louise.

She volunteered with the hospital auxiliary at Springdale Memorial as a candy striper and worked within the family business, Kelchner Landscaping. In 1976 she was featured in a hair and beauty magazine. Louise was stylish in many areas of her life, especially interior decorating in her home. She was a long-time member of Friendship Baptist church in Springdale. Louise was a true matriarch of her family, creating Sunday dinners together, often enjoying her delicious fried chicken. Most of all she loved providing a safe and warm home for her children and grandchildren. Louise was fiercely protective of those she loved. Louise was preceded in death by her son, Steven Earl Kelchner; two brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her loving husband, Loren Kelchner; three daughters, Janet Burnett of Siloam Springs, Sandy Heathman and her husband, Jimmy, of Rogers, and Brenda Pruden and her husband, Matt of Springdale; three grandchildren, Cassidy Hargis and her husband, Dusty of Elkins, Matthew Burnett of Sheridan, Wyoming and Katie Prock and her husband, Bo of Purdy, Missouri; one great granddaughter, Tenley Hargis; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church in Springdale with Pastor Mike Sypult officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home.

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