Carol Haskins

Carol Haskins, 96, of Little Rock, entered her heavenly home on September 1, 2021. Carol was born June 1, 1925. Her parents were the late Harvey and Grace (Smith) Rule.  Carol was a devoted Christian.  She was a lifelong member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church. She was very active in the church, serving on the board and working as a member and past president of the Methodist women’s group.  Carol founded the Geyer Springs United Methodist Adult day care program.  This allowed for care-givers to have a day off.  She developed fun activities, meals and gave needed care to the clients that were staying for the day. She volunteered at the food pantry and helped with many other community projects.  Maybe most impressive, she taught an aerobics at the church well into her 80s. Carol received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1948. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.

On August 1, 1948, she married Ralph Haskins.  Carol and Ralph completed their family with four children.  Carol loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy came from loving and caring for her family.  She was active in all the activities that come with raising children and grandchildren. She loved this time.  She also loved to cook, craft, garden, sew and travel.

Carol returned to her nursing career after her children were in school.  She worked at Saline Memorial Hospital initially as a scrub tech in the operating room. She later became the Director of Nursing for the hospital. She maintained this position until her retirement. It was during these years that she would often see someone needing a ride on her way from work.  She would pick them up, bring them to our house and let them shower and have dinner with us and then take them to the bus station and buy them a ticket home. She had a special love for people.

Carol wanted to remain in her home as her health began to decline.  We decided to have 24 hour caretakers to care for her and keep her safe over the last six years.  We would like to thank all the caregivers who helped with our mother’s care.  We have a special heartfelt thank you for Charisse Davis and Michelle Halverson who, over the last few months, split the week into 24 hour shifts so that no other people had to come into the home during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We would also like to thank Hospice Home Care for their care and support over the last several months.

Carol is survived by her children, Teri Haskins (Tom Swearingen) of Little Rock Larry Haskins (Lori) of Texas, Thomas Haskins (Pamela) and Holly Phillips (Eddie), both of Little Rock; grandchildren, Alex Webb (Chris), Olivia Webb, Blake Haskins (Lacie), Nicholas Haskins (Caitlin), Zeke Haskins and Christian Haskins (Heather); great-grandchildren, Conner and Enoch Haskins, as well as her loving devoted friend and companion, cocker spaniel Annie.  She is also survived by many friends and extended family.

Mrs. Haskins will be laid to rest next to her husband, Ralph Haskins, in a private graveside service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church at https://www.much.org/en/how-we-serve/umcgiving/donate.