Leatrice Eloise Klutts, 80, of Sherwood, AR, passed away peacefully on April 25th at home, with her loving spouse of 62 years, Bobby Klutts. Born to Bill and Juanita Henderson on November 12, 1943, in Steele, MO, Leatrice was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gayla Massey.
Leatrice leaves behind two daughters, Christine Bowman of Boise, ID, and Stephanie Flegel of Frisco, TX; six grandchildren, Kaileigh Wilcox, Kelsie Holland, Jaymes Wilcox, Jeremiah Bowman, Austin Flegel, and Carter Flegel; three great-grandchildren, Dylann Wilcox, Jack Bettger, and Norah Holland; two brothers, Trennis Henderson and Danny Henderson; two sisters, Wanda Reed and Aleta Janzen as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
Leatrice graduated from the Baptist School of Nursing in 1979, obtaining her RN degree. She subsequently worked within the Baptist Health System at Memorial Hospital and later at Spring Hill Hospital in North Little Rock for 23 years, primarily in the intensive and cardiac care units. She was the first RN to obtain Certification for Advanced Cardio Nursing, leading the hospital’s Code Blue team for 15 years.
A member of the Second Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 40 years, she was active in Sunday School, the choir, and missions including Hurricane Katrina relief, and service at the Salvation Army and Jericho’s Way. She was also very active in the Home Extension Club, where she created the Little Food Pantry and a children’s library, and helping to sew an astounding 5,000 masks for Arkansas Children’s Hospital and area nursing homes during the pandemic.
After retiring, she enjoyed traveling across the United States with her best friend and husband in their RV, hiking and chasing waterfalls, birds, and wildflowers. Always faithful to God, her family, friends, and her community, she constantly sought opportunities to support, uplift, and love. That is who she was, and she will be dearly missed.
A Family-hosted Memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday May 5, 2024, at Second Baptist Church Downtown of Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers please consider: donating to the Micheal J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or bring a children’s book to donate to the Little Library, or a living plant.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
11 Comments
Leatrice has received her reward for a life very well lived! I worked with her for many years at Baptist Memorial Medical Center, and loved her professionalism and sense of humor through it all. Sending love and prayers to Bob, Stephanie, and Christine, for comfort and peace through dark days ahead, in bereavement.
Such a fine lady. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Leatrice was so much fun to work with. We went to a critical care convention together to Boston and had a blast! She taught me to cross stitch and started my love of needle crafting. My prayers go out to her family.
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have worked with your parents at BHMC-NLR for years. Both were very dear to me. May our Lord comfort and strengthen you all! Becky Glover Blackard
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Leatrice and Bob at Baptist Memorial on the hill for years. Both were wonderful people and very respected by many. Prayers for your family during your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you for comfort during this time.
I always enjoyed working and laughing with Mrs. Klutts though the years at Memorial. Prayers to the family and friends.
Was an awesome lady and such a great nurse!!!
So sorry for your loss of a great co worker and nurse prayers for the family. We had many laughs together
As a chaplain at Baptist Health NLR, I knew Leatrice as an excellent nurse. But I truly discovered her friendship after she was retired. She would often save me a seat next to her in Sunday School. She might even have a little zip bag of sweets for me she had baked the night before. During tomato season she told me where to drive to find the hidden jewels of tomatoes . . . right up into a person’s personal driveway! We walked over to this stranger’s front porch where glorious tomatoes were for sale–on the honor system. We stuffed our dollars through the slot of the top of a coffee can and left with our sack of tomatoes. And she was right…those were the tastiest tomatoes in central Arkansas. I miss you Leatrice and look forward to you showing me where the best tomatoes are in heaven one day.
I worked with Leatrice at Memorial Hospital. She was a very knowledgeable , awesome nurse. I always enjoyed talking with her and Bob. They both have great sense of humor. Prayers to the family during this difficult time
Pam Abbott
I was deeply saddened to hear of Leatrice’s death. My heart goes out to Bob, Christy, Stephanie, Aleta, Danny, Wanda, Trennis, and all the family, as we grieve her absence, but also pay tribute to a life well lived. Love and prayers!
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