Elizabeth Ann Wagner Newkirk, age 90, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Amberwood Health and Rehabilitation in Benton.

Ann was born in Little Rock on February 15, 1935, to the late Jack and Allene Wagner. She graduated from Little Rock Central High in 1951 and began work at The Equitable Society Assurance Company in Little Rock. During this time, she met and married the love of her life, Don D. Newkirk, on June 18, 1955. After a brief time of farming in Roe, they lived and worked in Little Rock before relocating to the Oak Prairie community in Des Arc for Don to begin his career as a wildlife officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish. In Des Arc they raised two sons and engaged in minnow farming where Ann served as the farm manager.

Ann gave her life to Christ at the age of nine and was an active member of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church. She could be found at church anytime the doors were opened and served as the church treasurer and Adult Ladies Sunday School Teacher for more than 25 years.

Don and Ann were married for 55 years until his death in 2010. Don and Ann were an inseparable duo. Her favorite place was outdoors with Don enjoying hunting, fishing, and gardening. Their love and devotion to each other was a true testament to what a marriage should be. Ann was a perfect example of a Godly wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family deeply and shared her faith freely.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Billie Crofford, and a brother, Bobby Wagner. She is survived by her two sons, Jeff (Janet) Newkirk of Forney, TX and Keith (Fara) Newkirk of Sheridan; three grandsons, Jonathon (Chelsea) Newkirk of Florence, MT, Jeremy (Nicole) Newkirk of Dallas, TX, and Alexander (Shelby) Newkirk of Heber Springs; five great-grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Newkirk of Florence, MT, Jenna Newkirk of Dallas, TX, and Benjamin and Samuel Newkirk of Heber Springs; and numerous nephews and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, from 5—7 PM at Garth Funeral Home of Des Arc. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 10 AM at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church of Des Arc with Bro. Eddie Addison officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Des Arc. Pallbearers include Jonathon, Jeremy, and Alex Newkirk; Johnny and Jeffrey Reidhar; and godson, Matthew Riley. Honorary pallbearers include nephews, Curtis and Lawrence Crofford and Bruce and Guy King; longtime friends, Leon Moon, Timmy Felty, Billy Hinson, Dennis Johnson, and Steve Crump.

Memorials can be made to Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church, Memorial Fund, PO Box 42, Des Arc, AR 72040.