Strelsa Machen

Strelsa Morris Machen, 93, of Shepherd's Cove Retirement Center in Little Rock, widow of Clarence M. Machen, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2006. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree at Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) and her Master's Degree in Education at the University of Arkansas. She retired after 35 years of teaching in the Little Rock School District. She also taught in Hot Springs, Marked Tree and Chattanooga, Tennessee public schools. In 1966, Strelsa was listed in the Who's Who in American Education. Following her retirement from teaching, she wrote "The Farmer Series" of children's books, based on experiences during her childhood in the 1920's. She was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.
She is survived by her son, Lewis John Machen (Peggie); daughter, Sarah Frances Karrant (Jim); sister, Mary Morris Leslie (Fred); grandchildren, Merritt Maham (Sabrina), Jennifer Hoelzeman (Paul), Sarah Elizabeth Karrant and fiancé, Brian Richardson, and Mary Frances Karrant; sisters-in-law, Sue Machen Merritt and Virginia Machen; and a host of nieces and nephews. Strelsa was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Lucian and Ottie Prothro Morris and four brothers and sisters.
There will be visitation on Friday, December 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock. The Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, officiated by Rev. Lynn Lindsey and Dr. Jeff Hampton. Private burial will take place in Oliver Cemetery in White County. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200.