Our Staff

Heather is proud to have returned to the funeral service profession, where her passion for serving families truly lies. After spending a year away, she realized how deeply meaningful this work is to her and is grateful to once again support families with compassion and care during life’s most difficult moments. Heather finds the greatest reward in hearing the appreciation of the families she serves and feels honored to be part of a profession that makes a lasting difference.

Elvin Girtman has lived in Independence County most of his life. He is a 1976 graduate of Batesville High School and married his wife, Betty, soon after. Betty passed away in 2011. He has two grown children, Kevin and Teaha. Elvin has one grandson, Conner. He worked for Batesville Funeral Service from 1989-2000 and Willis-Hays Funeral Service from 2000-2004. Elvin fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own restaurant in 2004 when he and Betty opened E & B Bigger Burger on Westside, which he ran for fifteen years. We are so privileged to have him back in the funeral business serving our families.

Margie has lived in Independence County all of her life. She graduated from Cord-Charlotte Schools and soon after married her husband, Ronnie. Margie and Ronnie have two sons, Brad and Jason. She has nine grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. She and Ronnie attend New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, where she is the church pianist. In her spare time, Margie enjoys playing the piano, flowers (especially her Gerbera Daisies and roses), canning, and cooking for the Holidays. She loves Arkansas Razorback Basketball and driving around seeing God's creation.

Don grew up in the Bradford, AR area and graduated from Bradford High School. Soon after graduation, he began work at Taylor Made Ambulance and continued there for close to fourteen years. Most recently he has served the community by working at the City of Batesville for fourteen years. 

Don and his wife, Tiffany, have two children, Cadence (Cadie) and Hunter (Wildman). He and his family have attended First Baptist Church of Batesville for many years. He currently keeps very busy assisting and supporting them in various activities such as archery and raising and showing chickens at the fair. Don enjoys deer hunting and wood working. 

He also really enjoys eating the produce from their tiny “farm” they lovingly refer to as Bird Dog Farms.

Roy was born in Stuttgart, AR and raised in Clarendon. He proudly served in the United States Navy. Roy has served families with compassionate care for over 15 years and has been in the area for over 30 years starting in the medical field then tranisitioning into the funeral business. While going through his apprenticeship he felt a deep calling to support people in their most difficult moments. Roy believes every life tells a unique story and deserves a meaningful farewell. He guides families step by step with patience, attention to detail and gentle clarity. Outside the funeral home Roy enjoys time spent with family and most of all his two grandsons, Asher and Cooper. He is a member of his local church and a member of Batesville Kiwanis. 

Eric Hodges is glad to be back with the Qualls Funeral Homes family, serving the families of the community he has called home for most of his life. Born and raised in Batesville, Eric is a graduate of Cave City High School and has deep roots in the area.

With more than 23 years of being around the funeral service profession, Eric has had the privilege of serving many families throughout the region. He understands the importance of providing compassionate care, guidance, and support to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Eric furthered his education at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in Funeral Science.

Eric is honored to return to Qualls Funeral Homes and looks forward to continuing to serve the families of the community with compassion, dignity, and respect.