Marietta Kay Ollar

Marietta Kay Ollar, age 75, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Green House Cottages of Homewood. She was born on Thursday, January 18, 1948, to Floyd and Norma Thompson Taylor in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Marietta was affectionately known by many as “Mama Kay.” She never turned anyone away, if you came to her house, you were her family, and were guaranteed to be fed and well cared for. Over the years she cared for countless children and continued to love them long after, her love never wavered. She devoted a lifetime to serving her family, community, and faith, embodying the principles of love, generosity, and compassion.

Kay was an active attendee at the Baptist Church of Cove, where her spiritual life flourished. She found solace and joy in gospel music, which mirrored her deeply seated faith and was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

An avid reader, Kay had an extensive collection of books at her home, reflecting her wide-ranging interests and her insatiable curiosity. She loved watching her grandson play baseball anytime she was able. Her home was her sanctuary where she loved to care for others, a testament to her nurturing and motherly attributes. The teachings she passed down to her family and those close to her were straightforward and profound: Family is everything, love them with all your heart.

Known for her generosity, caring nature, and loving heart, her personality was an epitome of motherhood. She was Mama Kay to countless people, whose lives she touched, and whose hearts she warmed. Her enduring legacy is one of unending motherhood to all she encountered. She has left behind a lasting impression, and her life’s narrative will remain an inspiration to all who had the fortune to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William “Frankie” Ollar; one brother, Bill Taylor; one sister, Gean Taylor; two brothers-in-law, Leonard Wilson, and Billy Clark; and one sister-in-law, Pamela Taylor.

Kay is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Haden and Cathy Ollar of Hatfield, Aaron Ollar of Mena, Jeff and Jessi Shores of Oden, and Nicholas Long of Mena; four daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Jerry Henderson of Mena, Katie and Dean Barton of Yukon, Oklahoma, Stacie Shores of Mena, and Emma Long of Mena; one brother and sister-in-law, Tuffy and Dede Taylor of McAllister, Oklahoma; three sisters and son-in-law, Suzanne and Leo Ritter of Poteau, Oklahoma, Vicki Wilson of Howe, Oklahoma, and Jan Clark of Spiro, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Lanora and Charles Simpson of Nevada, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, Peyton, Rylee, Hailee, Easton, Kyson, Logan, Christopher, Alek, Wyatt, Everly, Shaun, Tim, and Bryan; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Tyler, Jessica, Kara, Kylie, Kolson, Evan and Conner; great-great-grandchildren, Rylan, Isabelle, and Silva; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Cove, Arkansas, with Brother Ron Ladd officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Glenn Rowe, Bobby Bunyard, Emory Zakin, Jerry Henderson, Shaun Wyman, and Tim Wyman.

Online guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

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Ethan Nahté

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