Letha Lavon Tongusi, of Marmaduke, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Advanced Care Hospital in Searcy, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 16, 1970, in Jonesboro to the late Ronald Maggard and Lethal Maggard.

Letha was raised in Northeast Arkansas and found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved plants, especially her Easter lilies & her Yucca tree. She could often be found relaxing with her favorite television show, Little House on the Prairie. Above all else, Letha treasured her family. She had a nurturing spirit and a heart big enough for everyone, treating every child she met as one of her own. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved spoiling them every chance she had.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving spouse, James Halfacre; her sons, Blake Butler (Tiffany), Ashton Butler, Tyler Tongusi (Brittany), Ryon Tongusi, Kyle Tongusi, and Jojo Tongusi; her daughters, Brittney Butler (Tim), Caressa Patterson (Melvin), and Zoe Manes (Jay Jay); bonus daughter, Gracie Butler; brothers, Joey Butler (Nancy), Ronald Maggard, and Leon Maggard (Stacy); sister, Billie Jean Watkins; special friend, Charlie Campbell; and her beloved grandchildren: Carly, Nevaeh, Heaven, Fayth, Isaac, Jesse, TJ, Evilyn, Rylan, Aylor, Emma, Khylan, Laikynn, Weston, Kayden, Riley, and Bentley. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

A memorial service honoring Letha’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Emerson Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private.

The family has asked that no phones be present during the memorial service. 

Letha’s kindness, compassion, and unconditional love touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.