Phyllis Walden Obituary

Phyllis Modell Inness Walden, 91, of Highland, Arkansas passed away at her home May 1, 2025. She was born July 23, 1933 to Xinnie and Lura Hudson Inness in the Eleven Point, Arkansas community and grew up loving her schoolwork and learning. She played basketball on the Ravenden Springs High School team where her competitive nature was obvious. Phyllis also loved cooking and became well-known for her "world-class chicken and dumplings". Her professional career was as an optician for Ostertag. She was on the original board of Arkansas Medical Assistants Association, First Chapter.

Phyllis was active with her children, and every time their band played for the door money, Mom collected the money always making sure they got their share. She would even get out of bed at any time they arrived back home from being on the road and fix fresh chicken and dumplings for the whole band. She was extremely particular about how things were to be done. Everything had to be "done just so".  Bill Street said everyone should know that she was the coolest mom in the world. 

Remaining young at heart, her interest naturally extended to her grandchildren who collectively said, "You could feel her love in the food she would make for us kids, especially the chicken & dumplings and catfish. We would never leave there hungry or feeling unloved. She gave the best hugs, full of love and sincerity. She was our Nonnie, and we loved her and the life lessons she taught us along the way."

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Jean Slayton; a brother, Bill Xinness; and her son, George Walden.

Survivors include her daughter, Ruth Von Stein; seven grandchildren: Kai, Mikey, Kayla, Gabe, Breezy, Tanner, and Piper; ten great-grandchildren; two bonus sons, Hal Mantooth and John Rourke; many other relatives and friends.

Phyllis was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, and a memorial service was held May 4, 2025 at the Ward Street church in Hardy, Arkansas.