Lou Ann Rooks, 89, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Batesville. She was born March 22, 1936, in Batesville to Edward and Gladys (Sanders) Runyan. She was a secretary and homemaker and of the Southern Baptist Faith. She enjoyed trap shooting and won the Arkansas State Ladies Champion. She also enjoyed participating in the Red Hats Society, the Pfeiffer Homemakers Extension Club, and she headed many community-wide affairs.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Rooks Sr.; and her brothers, Charles Runyan and J.W. Runyan.
She is survived by her son; Joe Rooks Jr.; her daughter, Patricia Rooks; her brother, Bill Runyan; three grandchildren, Tamera Carter (Matt), Jillian Beever and Alexandra Headley; two great-grandchildren, Chase Carter and Addison Carter; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel with Doc Spurlin officiating. Burial will follow in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes.
Pallbearers will be Matt Carter, Doug Brown, Jaxen Kirk and Jonathan Jones.
