Donna Lois Couch

Donna Lois (Walker) Couch, 86, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. She was born December 24 (her older brother definitely didn’t give her a hard time for being born on Christmas Eve), 1939, in Harrison, Arkansas, to Ira Ludwin Walker and Vida Lois (Mitchell) Walker. She was reunited with her parents on her dad’s birthday.

Donna was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was affectionately known as “Nanny.” She was a hardworking woman with a sweet spirit, a believing (some might say gullible) personality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine love for her family. She enjoyed cooking and was especially proud of her homemade recipes, including broccoli cheese and rice, potato salad, and her famous grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. She prided herself on never missing a football game for her grandson, Bryan. Her love for those around her was evident in the way she brought people together and made them feel cared for.

Donna was a longtime member of Sylvan Hills Church of Christ and treasured her faith and her church family. She also attended the University of Arkansas.

She is survived by her husband, James Henry Couch of Sherwood; daughters, Holly Renee (Dave) Thomas of Little Rock and Elisa Kay (Frank) Ellis of Elkins; brother, Lt. Col. Gerald Dale Walker, USAF, Ret. (Brenda) of Maumelle, AR: grandchildren, Tara Halterman (Ryan), Bryan Taylor (Ashlee), Mitchell Moore (Amanda), Andy Thomas (Kyle), Kimberly Der (Josh), and Amanda Ellis-Smith (Kevin); fifteen great-grandchildren Ryan, Kael, Bryson, Brynleigh, Haylee, Hadlee, Molly, Jack, Jeremiah, Karis, Nikki, Stefan, Kelsey, Kerrigan, and Kaden; nieces Kara Golby and Stephanie Young; nephews Scott Walker Hipple and Steven Fraser Hipple, along with extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Ludwin and Vida Lois Walker; her husband of over 25 years, James Odell “Dude” Ray; sister, Janet Gale Hipple; brother-in-law, Dr. Randall Fraser Hipple; nephews Kenneth Dale Walker and Philip Wayne Walker; and great-granddaughter Brooke Taylor Bishop.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 5, 2026 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 N Main St. North Little Rock, AR 72114) at 9:30 AM. A celebration of life service will follow at 10:30 AM. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Son’s Chapel Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR (5480 East Mission Blvd. Fayetteville, AR 72701) at 1:00 PM.