Elise Hedden Shultz of Pine Bluff, Arkansas was born June 11, 1915 at Grapevine, the daughter of the late Samuel and Rose Finley Hedden. She was one of the Charter Members of Hedden Chapel Assembly of God Church at Grapevine. Mrs. Shultz also was a shipyard welder in Vancouver, Washington during World War II. Following the War, she welded for Kaizer Automobile Company and fought very hard to be the first woman welder for Ben Pearson Company due to the high wages. After getting that job, she paved the way for many other women to work as welders for that company.

Mrs. Shultz died Friday, January 6, 2006 at her home near Pine Bluff at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by a son, Elmer Shultz.

Survivors include:

Son, Wayne and wife Beverley Shultz of Hot Springs;
Daughter, Bonita and husband Ralph Harbor of Sheridan;
Daughter-in-law, Betty Lou Shultz of Pine Bluff;
Brother-in-law, Joe Waddle of Sheridan;
Brother, Troy Hedden of Rison;
6 Grandchildren;
7 Great Grandchildren

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 9, 2006 at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel at Sheridan with Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery at Grapevine. Pallbearers will be Wesley Ross, Ray Ross, Jeff Hedden, Leslie Cooper, Frank Ratliff, Danny Wood and Doyle Hedden. Honorary pallbearer will be Martina Via. Visitation: Sunday, 5-7 P.M. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.