Barbara Fought Rye Lucas

Barbara Jean Fought Rye Lucas, 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away suddenly on September 27, 2022. She was born in Lonoke, Arkansas on November25, 1932 to the late Jack & Christine Campbell. Barbara graduated in 1950 from Lonoke High School. She married J.W. (Jiggs) Rye January 1 1951. After his death in March 1982, she met and married J.W. Lucas. They had a long life together and spent 24 hours a day, working side by side until his passing in June 2021. Barbara is preceded in death by J.W. Lucas and, daughter, Marta Rye Dulaney.

She is survived by her daughter, Darla Rye Blowers (Al); son-in-law, Leonard Dulaney; step-children, Pam Lucas Moore (Gene), Dixie Lucas Harder (Jerry), Jeff Lucas (Trini), Robyn Lucas Riddle (Michael), Jay Wesley Lucas; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Barbara will truly be missed by most who knew her. As someone commented, she was a colorful woman. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was a momma bear for her children but if they deserved reprimand, it would be given.

After graduating from high school she began nursing school. As a “candy strip-er”, Barbara lost a beloved patient and couldn't take the pain of it.

Barbara and Jiggs were known for their generous hospitality. As they traveled, they would stop to help stranded travelers. If their car couldn't be repaired rapidly, they would be taken to Barbara & Jiggs home until the car was repaired.

The family will be receiving family & friends at Boyd Funeral Home at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Freddie McCann will be conducting the funeral service with burial to follow at Lonoke Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, SC 57325. The school is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization.