Inella "Bill" Tarkington, age 93 of Malvern, daughter, sister, devoted wife and mother, friend, hairdresser, phenomenal cook, and avid fisherman, died Thursday morning, January 27, 2011, in the Hot Spring County Medical Center. She was born in Cabot, Arkansas, on March 5, 1917 to the late C. W. and Madella Carroll Kinley. Moving with her family to the Malvern area as a child, she received her early education in Hot Spring County, graduating from Central High School, where she was a championship basketball player. At the age of 19 she graduated from cosmetology school and continued to work as a hairdresser until her 90 th year. Bill was a faithful member of Taylor's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for over 75 years. She was the widow of the late Ray Tarkington, to whom she was married on January 23, 1937. He preceded her in death in August of 2004.

She is survived by her son, Bill Tarkington of Little Rock, numerous nieces and nephews, and by her special caregiver, Dian Leech of Donaldson.

Bill was also preceded in death by her beloved step-mother, four sisters, and three brothers. She was the last Kinley/Tarkington of her generation and wore the title of Matriarch with grace and dignity.

Graveside services will be held at eleven o'clock Monday morning, January 31, 2011 at the Ouachita Cemetery with Brother Kevin Spurlin officiating.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home Sunday afternoon from two until four o'clock.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.