Mary Dean Skarda, 94, of Hazen entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, May 15, 2021. She was born in the Center Point Community (Prairie County) on September 21, 1926 to the late James and Myrtle (Ewing) Sanders. A graduate of DeValls Bluff schools, she married the late George F. Skarda where they built their life in Hazen and raised their family. She was actively engaged through the years in various church, community and school organizations. With her husband by her side, she later opened Cottage Fabrics and Gifts which she spent many years enjoying. Mama Dean, as everyone called her, loved life and lived life to the fullest. Strong in her Christian faith, she cherished her family and friends and as many would agree, she never met a stranger. She could “strike up” a conversation with someone she had never met and by the end of the conversation she had gained a new friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Jeanie Louise; her husband, George of 64 years; her sisters, Zura Loudermilk, Annie Youngman, Dorothy DeVorak, Mildred McMullen and brother, Bud Sanders. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Janis Skarda Toll (Tom); son, Frank Skarda (Martha); grandchildren, Angela Toll, George Toll (Tabatha), Ashley Carpenter (Eugene), Liz Clark (Kit); great-grandchildren, Blayne Toll, Jesse and Chrystal Carpenter and Jacob Clark and sister-in-laws, Pat Sanders and Joy Skarda; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Hazen First Baptist Church from 1:00-2:00 with services immediately following at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hazen First Baptist Church, the Czech National Cemetery, or a memorial of your choice. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Chambers Nursing Home for all the love and attention they gave to our mother during her stay as they called her “The Queen of Hazen.”
So very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Mary Dean was a much loved lady to so many. Prayers for her family. She will be missed.
Prayers for all
Mary Dean was one of a kind and my girls and I always enjoyed going into the Cottage Shop and visiting with her. She was so pleasant and helpful and we all just loved talking with her. My sincere condolences go out to the whole family. I know it will be hard without her.
may God bless her family and friends. I am glad I was privileged to visit her in both her shops. She will truly be missed. Prayers.
Dixie McMullen Price Says:
May 17th, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Aunt Dean and Uncle George’s visits were always cherished. She made it possible for us to have a formal wedding. She brought the cake, gave me the fabric for my wedding gown and arranged everything. When I was a child she always gave us corn ears from her garden when we came to visit. I loved the divinity candy she made at Christmas. Our children always enjoyed the times Dean and George would arrive at our house in their motor home. It was often when they were going to bluegrass festivals in western Arkansas.
I’m so sorry to hear of Miss Mary Dean’s passing! I know she will be missed!
We loved Mrs. Mary Dean. I spent many hours in her shop. She always said Henry was her boyfriend because she rode with him pulling a trailer in the Hazen Homecoming Parade! Prayers for all of you and love sent your way! Her memory will be cherished!
Janis and Franklin,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Mother. Mary Dean has been a special cousin, first to my Mom then to me. I loved every visit I had with her over the years and will never forgot what a wonderful and special person she was. Rest in peace, Cousin Dean. Love to the family.
Marilyn
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Mary Dean”s passing. I enjoyed playing bridge with her at GPCC and hearing her stories. She was a delightful lady. Prayers for the family.
Born during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, Mrs. Mary Dean witnessed a lot of history as it was made. While visiting with her in Chambers Nursing Home, I enjoyed her stories about growing up in Prairie County. She was an elegant lady who was friendly to all. As an extraordinary lady with many talents, she will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. We will cherish her precious legacy. May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, comfort, and assurance to her family and many friends. Billy and Gail Booth
Sinceres Condoleances Amitiés de Normandie Yvan
Really didn’t know Mrs skarka but talk to her at football games. Found out she graduated with my mom love listening to her talk about mom they were friends and she told alot about momma. So sorry for you lost. Heaven gained a. Great lady
Your mom was the sweetest and how she and Ms. June were such partners in fun!!!!!! I loved being around both of these dear ladies, and they were so fun-loving!!!! My favorite memories of Hazen were going to Cottage Shop’s Christmas Open House. Those are happy memories one will always cherish.
Your mom and dad were the epitome of “southern lady and gentleman.”
You and your family have been in our prayers!
Love, LaQuita Bennett