Barbara Arendt

It is with great sadness that we announce Barbara Ann Arendt gained her heavenly wings on January 29, 2025, at the age of 92. Barbara was born on September 24, 1932, in Malvern, AR to Frank and Alta Cheshier. 

In 1950 Barbara married the love of her life William Eugene (Gene) Arendt Sr. They were married for 74 years. Barbara was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and love and support for her family and community. Barbara, or as many knew her by Mamabarb, was the matriarch of our family. She had a big personality and knew no stranger. Everyone she met became family. She loved big and bold and had a servant's heart of gold and family was everything to her. 

There is not enough time or words to describe this incredible woman and the heartbreak our family is feeling at this time. Please wrap us in your prayers as we attempt to navigate life without her. Along with her husband, she was a long time devout member of Baring Cross Baptist Church in North Little Rock, AR which is now located in Sherwood, AR.Barbara was a cheerleader at North Little Rock High School, voted most popular and was president of many student organizations. Barbara retired as the Customer Service Manager at Worthen Bank & Trust in downtown Little Rock in 1987. After retiring, she spent most of her spare time at Lake Nimrod’s Carter Cove in Plainview, AR hosting family gatherings at MamaBarb’s and PapaGene’s weekend getaway home. 

She was preceded in joining the Lord by her parents Alta Culp Cheshier and Thomas Frank Cheshier, sister Marge Miller Casey and brother James Cheshier. 

Survived by her husband Gene, sons William E (Bill) Arendt Jr (Rossana), Steve Arendt (Gina), and daughter Janet Arendt Hicks. Grandchildren in age order Gigi (husband Joel Sanders and kids Isaac, Teresa, Peter, Hannah, and Ruth) Jonathan Hicks, Justin Hicks, Christi (husband Matt Lentz and kids Madison, Amelia, Caroline), Mark Arendt, Jenny (husband Steven Fletcher and kids Beckett, Gunner and Asher), Annie (husband Daniel Cuervo and kids Natalie and Isabel) and William E (Billy) Arendt III (wife Ali). She is also survived by special nieces Barbara Abernathy and Becky Day along with several other loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Barbara Arendt’s name. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Smith Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, AR. The visitation will be Monday February 3 at 12:30pm with the funeral service following at 1:30pm. Barbara’s final resting place will be at Rest Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sherwood, AR.