Una Fay Carpenter

Una Fay Carpenter passed away on April 20, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of 93. Una was born February 8, 1932 in Parma, Missouri, a daughter of the late Edgar Crawford and Velma (Borders) Crawford. Una’s father Edgar died when she was 4. Una’s mother Velma remarried when Una was 6 to Louie Kirkwood from Campbell, Missouri.

Una’s school years were in Campbell, Missouri where she graduated from Campbell High School in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart Carl Carpenter July 15, 1951. She lost Carl her beloved husband of nearly 60 years on April 2, 2010.

Early in their marriage Carl and Una lived in various locations while he served in the Navy. Following four years of service they moved to Columbia, Missouri. Una worked at the ASC office on the campus of the University of Missouri while Carl attended school. After they had their son and daughter Una stayed home and was a homemaker. Once Carl graduated, his career launched them to Cincinnati, Ohio; Springfield, Missouri; Harrison, Arkansas and finally to Northwest Arkansas in 1966. They owned their business, Sunray Sanitation in Springdale, Arkansas and later started Central States Manufacturing in Lowell, Arkansas.

Together they supported various children’s homes and schools in Mexico. They spent time at their farm cabin in Jane, Missouri, and condo in Branson, Missouri. They also enjoyed RV-ing and spent several winters in south Texas with friends. Una loved her family and especially her grandchildren. Una was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law and legendary “Mimi”. She loved the Lord and led by her quiet example. She enjoyed decorating and keeping her home immaculate and inviting. Gift giving was definitely her love language. Una lived the last ten years of her life at Butterfield Trail Village retirement community.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edgar and Velma Crawford, step-father Louie Kirkwood, husband Carl D. Carpenter, two sisters Shirley Curry and Barbara Morgan, four step-brothers Joe Kirkwood, James Ray Kirkwood, Jack Kirkwood and Bill Kirkwood.

Survivors include her son Rick Carpenter and wife Belinda of Fayetteville; Sheila Taylor and husband Mike of Fayetteville; five grandchildren, Brock Carpenter and wife Nicole, Nathaniel Carpenter, Cassi Walker, Nick Taylor and wife Katlyn, Brad Taylor and wife London; seven great grandchildren, Karter, Davis, Vivianne, Cedar, Emma, Rhett and Booker; two sisters Mary Lou Cox and husband Randall of Stanley, North Carolina and Betty Coffel and husband Mickey of Snellville, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762, or to Compassion House. Compassionministries.com