Cora Lee Garrett

Cora Lee Garrett, 78, of Gentry, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at her home.

She was born May 29, 1946 to Albert Ward and Alice Lighthill Ward in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She was known for her warm heart, adventurous spirit, and an unwavering love for the world around her. From a young age, she was curious about life beyond the rolling hills of northwest Arkansas. That curiosity blossomed into a lifelong passion for travel. She carried the grace and kindness of her roots with her everywhere she went.

Despite her many adventures, Cora Lee always found her compass pointing back to Northwest Arkansas. It was here that she found peace in familiar faces, in the changing seasons, and in the steady rhythm of a community she cherished deeply. She believed there was no place quite like home.

She will be remembered not only for her journeys, but for her deep compassion, her storytelling, and her ability to make everyone she met feel like an old friend. She lived with a generous spirit, a curious mind, and a joyful heart.

Cora Lee is survived by her son, Randall Wayne Gardenhire (Joanne) of Romance, Arkansas, and her daughter, Alice Louise Talley (Juston) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, brother, Jim Ward (Vergean) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Daisy Blossom and Florence Elzy.

Family and friends will gather to honor her life and share memories of the remarkable woman she was at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

The arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR. To sign the online guestbook or to order flowers, please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.