Rita Dean (Frost) McGrew

Rita Dean McGrew, affectionately called Dean, passed from this life, Monday, December 18, 2017 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Dean was born March 15, 1934 to her parents Paul and Virgie Frost of Parks, Arkansas. She was 83 years, 9 months and 3 days old.

Rita retired from Whirlpool Corporation after many years of service and developing many friendships there over the years. She will be remembered as a lover of nature, a gardener surrounded by flowers and koi, and a painter who also enjoyed every form of needlework and creative crafting.

Rita graduated from Waldron High School and married Herman Speaks, Jr. of Waldron, Arkansas. Their 3 children are Pam Stebbins of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gary Speaks of Greenwood, Arkansas, and the late Larry Speaks of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Her second marriage was to the late Jerry McGrew of Fort Smith, Arkansas and their son, Jerry Solan McGrew currently resides in Magnolia, Texas. Rita is the beloved grandmother to 7 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 4 great grandchildren. Rita will forever remain in the hearts of her sisters, Janelle Cleland and Sharon Langley both of Waldron, Arkansas. Rita will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Virgie Frost, one son Larry Speaks, one sister, Myna Johnson and her second husband Jerry McGrew.

Rita's life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. John Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Rita's visitation will be Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.