Jeanne Nolte

Jeanne Nolte, 95, passed into eternal life on Nov. 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 15, 1930, in Fort Smith, Ark., Jeanne was the only child of Angela Uptmoor Rowlett, and was raised surrounded by doting grandparents and extended family. Jeanne attended St. Boniface Catholic School and St. Scholastica Academy, where seeds of her lifelong devotion to the church were planted.

In 1950, Jeanne married the love of her life, Joe Nolte. Together they shared 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2014. Their life together was grounded in faith, and they were longtime members of Christ the King Church. Jeanne’s faith was both steady and generous. She freely shared her time and talents and was always attentive to those in need. For many years, she served as director of the St. John’s Community Center, where she cared for disadvantaged seniors with compassion and kindness. She volunteered for years with hospice and was active in the Ladies Auxiliary and parish ministries at all three local Catholic churches.

A talented knitter, generations of her family proudly wore Jeanne’s handmade hats, sweaters, and socks. She shared her craft with the Knit Wits – a close circle of women who prayed together, raised their children side-by-side, and remained dear friends throughout their lives. Jeanne was the last surviving member of this cherished group. In later years, she found that same fellowship with the Tight Knits, a new club of special friends.

Above all, Jeanne’s legacy was her role as a mother. She poured her heart into her family. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply “Nannie” – the queen of the holidays and the heart of every celebration. Her doors were always open for family and friends to enjoy food, games, laughter and stories.

Jeanne is survived by her eight children – Janet Ayers (Jim Wentworth), Steve Nolte (Barbie), Nancy Licht (Lon), Rick Nolte (Donna), Anne Dunn (Courtney), Pat Nolte (Susan), Maribeth Hirte (Mike) and Lynda Beauchamp (Tim Epp); 15 grandchildren – Jody Ayers (Heather), Randy Ayers, Shannon Frederick (Jake), Jay Nolte (Susie), Cameron Licht, Brooke Mooney (Jaffet), Drew Nolte (Kelsey), Sydney Licht, Shelby Rolader (Drew), Jake Nolte (Ashton), Jordan Nolte (Hailey), Grant Nolte (Hadley), Jared Hirte, Amanda Hirte, and Rio Beauchamp; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith, followed by a private family burial. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Edwards Funeral Home, with a Rosary Vigil starting at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SEEDs for Autism, Christ the King Church, or Subiaco Academy.

The Nolte family takes comfort knowing Jeanne was welcomed into Heaven by her beloved Joe and mother, Angela. In her final days, she found peace in her favorite hymns and the prayers that guided her throughout her life.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.