Dearl Graupner

Dearl Jean Graupner went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 22, 2021. She was born in Ferndale Arkansas on January 29, 1929. She grew up in Mabelvale, Lonoke, and Little Rock. Dearl graduated from Little Rock High School, and then attended the Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. Her career included being a legal secretary for attorney Archie W House, of the Rose Law Firm, saleswoman for Beauty Counselor Cosmetics, and secretary for Christ Lutheran School in Little Rock.

She married the love of her life, Walter Graupner, in February 1952 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock. She and Walt lived in Pine Bluff and Little Rock until 1996 when they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, to spend their golden years. Dearl was well known among all her friends as the perfect hostess. She loved gardening, crossword puzzles, get-togethers with friends and family, playing bridge, and volunteering at Bella Vista Lutheran Church. You could always find her in front of the TV every afternoon at 4PM to watch her favorite show, Jeopardy. She and Walt enjoyed their retirement with trips across Europe and the continental United States.

More than anything, Dearl, affectionally known as Dede, loved her family and her many friends. Dearl’s children and grandchildren were often spread across the country, but she always made them a priority. She and Walt regularly traveled to see family, whether it was to see a graduation, a game, a play, or just to be with family for no particular reason at all. Dearl was always excited for a good time, and was always willing to indulge her grandchildren’s interests. She played dress-up, watched movies, played games, cheered for the Razorbacks, and let anyone in the family play on her piano, even though some had more talent than others. She was well known as a sweet lady with a beautiful smile who loved life!

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Walter G Graupner, Sr.; parents Edna Ibbotson and Charles W Mercer; and sister Neva Harvey. Dearl is survived by her children, Debra Hulsey (Doug), Little Rock, AR, Barbara Harper (Sean), Little Rock, AR, Walter Graupner, Jr. (Sarah Santos), West Fork, AR, and Frederick Graupner, Driggs, ID; grandchildren, Sarah Hulsey, Michael Hulsey (Jaime), Scott Hulsey, Doc Harper (Misti), JT Harper, Zach Graupner (Sarah), Abbigail Graupner, Sofie Graupner, and Maggie Graupner; great-grandchildren, Clara Harper, Emma Graupner, Ethan Harper, Jackson Harper, and Matthew Hulsey, brother Paul Jones (Myrna), Neosho, MO., brother in law Bill Harvey, Bella Vista, AR.  Nieces and nephews Jennifer Jones, Michael Jones, Laura Carter, Joni Johnson, Ellen Elliott and Jim Harvey.

The family would like to thank the Memory Care Unit of Fox Ridge Chenal for their loving compassionate care for Dearl over the past several years. Also, a special thank you to Baptist Health Covid Unit and Hospice staff for their tender and respectful care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/arkansas or the charity of your choice.

Due to the current pandemic, funeral services will be conducted at a later date.  Information will be updated here. Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 501-224-2200.