Eva Belle Gaines was born the daughter of Major Hubbard and Marie (Belle) Hubbard on September 22, 1936 in Sydney, Arkansas and departed this life on June 20, 2012 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 75 years.
She was united in marriage at Sydney, Arkansas on July 17, 1955 to Herbert Gaines, Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Herbert Gaines of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; Terry Gaines of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Peggy Stanley and husband, Mike of Highland, Arkansas, Paul Gaines and wife, Lanae of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Lindal Gaines and wife, Laura of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Keith Gaines of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sixteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one sister, Jo Robison and husband, Bob of Ozark, Missouri; one brother, Mac Hubbard and wife, Judy of Thayer, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Major and Marie Hubbard and one infant granddaughter.
Mamaw Gaines, keeper of the home. Her home was her refuge with many not understanding her unwillingness to leave home to attend family gatherings. Instead, she stayed home doing the endless work she put on herself. When you came into her home she enjoyed every moment with you.
When she went into Shady Oaks a few years ago we all thought that would be it, instead she created her home there. She had her own space and guarded it fiercely. Daring the staff to touch her many collections of vases, plastic utensils, styrofoam cups, plastic bags, many framed pictures of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mamaw always kept up to date, listening to Brian Chase in the morning and Salem’s 92.3 news coverage. She loved flowers and loved to see things in bloom. Mamaw really cared little for earthly possessions; her family was her treasure.
Mrs. Gaines was a Christian lady with a strong faith in God. She will be missed by all that truly knew her.
Graveside services will be Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Thayer Cemetery with Brother Mike Stanley officiating. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.