Waiva Elaine Strain, 84, of Alma, Arkansas passed away on August 25, 2022 at a local nursing home. Waiva was raised in Liberty, Oklahoma and graduated at Roland High School. She was married to LeRoy Strain for 53 years and lived in Alma during that time. She worked at Fort Chaffee and then later at Farmer’s Home Administration until she retired. She loved to entertain with her kindness and love of music and songs. She would play and sing you almost anything. She was a pianist for Hwy 71 Freewill Baptist until joining New Heights Baptist and playing piano for that church. Waiva was the sweetest most selfless person and she will be deeply missed, but knowing that she is in Heaven, we can see her again! She will never be forgotten, we love her so much!

Waiva was born in Phoenix, Arizona July 7, 1938 to the late Eric and Mildred (Reeden) Allen. She was preceded by her parents; husband, LeRoy Strain; and brother Steve Allen. Survivors include her daughter, Tina Miller and husband Doug of Alma, AR; brother, Bruce Allen; sister, Linda Thompson; grandchildren, Heidi McAlester, and Brad Miller; great-grandchildren, Laney McAlester, Cash McAlester, and Macy Miller.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday August 29, 2022 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma with private burial to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.

The family is very thankful for the Brookdale Memory Care and Alma Health and Rehab. A special thank you also to Jon Hamby and Heart of Hospice, your prayers, singing, and visits always brightened her day. Thank you to all of the hospice team from nurses to CNAs you made her journey more bearable. Last but not least a special thank you to Paula Bankston for being a caregiver for the last five years, we couldn’t have done it without you.