Lydia Mae Strayhorn, of McRae, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of her 85th birthday, October 17, 2025.

Lydia was born on October 17, 1940, in Augusta, Arkansas, to Clarence and Pearl Rutledge. She married the love of her life, William “Frank” Strayhorn, and together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence (Shorty) and Pearl Rutledge, foster parents Raymond and Gladys Hartwick, and her three best friends Banette, Janice, and Sue.

Lydia and Frank were blessed with two children, Sharlet (Daniel) Luebke and Bruce (Ginger) Strayhorn. She is also survived by three grandchildren — Devon Carpenter, Ashley Paige Kemp, and Abigail Clark — and four great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Lydia never met a stranger and would have given the shirt off her back to help anyone she loved. She was the definition of “dynamite comes in small packages” — independent, strong-willed, and full of life. Lydia believed in the good in everyone and was the kind of mother and friend every woman should aspire to be.

She loved spending time and laughing with family and friends, always finding joy in the simple things.

A family-hosted memorial service celebrating Lydia’s life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Union Sixteenth Section Church, 111 16th Section Rd, McRae, AR 72102.

Lydia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her kindness, strength, and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family forever.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com