Marilu Ives, 79, of Hot Springs, formerly of Stuttgart, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hot Springs.

          Marilu was born November 14, 1932, in Stuttgart to Edward Williford Harper and Vera Bellville Harper who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Stuttgart High School and a Methodist.

          At the age of 20 with four children and only a high school education and married to a young farmer that did not graduate high school, but had a dream to become a millionaire, no one would have predicted Marilu would become the heart and soul of a couple that would become one of Arkansas’ great power couples. Together they made the perfect team – he had the dream and business sense and she had the compassion and goodness to generate loyalty and trust needed in a growing business. Together they built a transportation company and other businesses to satisfy her husband’s dream all while staying true to her dream of being a good daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and good friend  to all who needed one. She was an inspiration and example to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her true essence is what every good person wants to be and she will live on for generations through the examples she set.

          She and her husband were owners of Terminal Truck Brokers which evolved into Harold Ives Trucking, and she was president of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association. In later years, she was an amateur bass fisherman and a good crappie jerker.

          Survivors are her husband of 62 years, Harold Ives; three sons, Tommy (Donna) Ives of Hot Springs, Garry (Gina) Ives of Stuttgart and Larry (Michelle) Ives of Wheatley; one daughter, Sharon (Darrell) Dickson of Brinkley; one brother, Sam Harper of San Francisco; one sister, Susie Grizzle of Nevada, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Baugh, Jacqueline Ives, Clint (Michelle) Butcher, Heather (Eric) Burns, Daren (Charlie) Ives, Brett (Dagian) Barker, Tina (Ryan) Harvey and Deena (Shane) Fisher; and 16 great-grandchildren.

          Funeral services, officiated by Ray Vester, are 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

          Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Saturday at Turpin Funeral Home.