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Obituaries note the passings of Helen C. McAlister and Ronnie 'Mac' Vineyard.
Summary
Helen C. McAlister, 98, died April 4, 2026, and Ronnie 'Mac' Vineyard, 83, died April 3, 2026; McAlister's ashes will be placed at Second Presbyterian Church with a memorial on May 11, and Vineyard's family held a private celebration of life April 4.
Content
Two obituary notices published by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette record the recent deaths of Helen C. McAlister and Ronnie "Mac" Vineyard. Helen McAlister, 98, died April 4, 2026; she was born near Lacey, raised in Fountain Hill, and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She worked for years as a bank teller, later became a prolific watercolor painter, and spent later life in Hot Springs and Springdale. Ronnie "Mac" Vineyard, 83, died April 3, 2026; he was raised in Texas, graduated from Texas Christian University, had a long career in telecommunications, and was active in community and church life.
Key details:
- Helen C. McAlister was 98 at the time of her death on April 4, 2026, and was married 58 years to Louis F. McAlister; her ashes will be placed in the prayer garden at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.
- A memorial service for Helen McAlister is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, May 11, in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church; arrangements are handled by Cremations Only in Springdale.
- Ronnie "Mac" Vineyard was 83 and died April 3, 2026; he graduated from Texas Christian University, worked in telecommunications, and served as a Mason for more than 55 years.
- Vineyard's family held a private celebration of life on April 4, 2026, and the family expressed thanks to medical and hospice teams who cared for him.
- The obituary notes survivors for both individuals, including children, grandchildren, and other family; Vineyard's family requested donations to Alzheimer's Tennessee, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of choice in lieu of flowers.
Summary:
The notices describe long lives with ties to family, community groups, and workplaces in Arkansas and beyond. Helen McAlister's memorial and the placement of her ashes at Second Presbyterian Church are scheduled for May 11. Ronnie "Mac" Vineyard's family held a private celebration of life and shared preferred charities for memorial gifts. Undetermined at this time.
