LYNDA ANNE BROOKS BENNETT, 78, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 7, 2019. She was born January 7, 1941, in Fort Smith, AR. Lynda graduated from Fort Smith High School (now Northside). She then attended college at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John Arthur Bennett; 2 daughters, Terri Bennett Wallace (Duff) of Madison, MS and Kristi Bennett of Little Rock, AR; one grandson, Spencer Wallace. She is preceded in death by her parents John Arthur and Reola Crutchfield Brooks of Panama, OK. Lynda was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, an avid supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and an active member of the Arkansas Razorback Roadhogs. She and John enjoyed touring in their antique cars and was a member of the Arkansas Travelers Antique Car Club in Little Rock and the Dixie Car Club in Benton. Lynda was very proud of her Indian heritage and was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She enjoyed gardening, traveling in their RV, was an excellent seamstress and expressed her love for everyone through her cooking. She left us a legacy of being a close knit, caring family. She lived and breathed, in every facet, her role as mother, wife, and professional homemaker. Family was her utmost priority, and everything was always done with her children and grandchild in mind. She was the epitome of a role model with the very highest ethics and morals. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 11, 2019, from 1:00 pm until the service time celebrating Lynda’s life beginning at 2:30 pm. at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock with Lead Pastor Dave Hughey and Pastor Max Pyron officiating. Burial will be at Old Bokoshe Cemetery in Bokoshe, OK, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 11:00am. We lay her body to rest, knowing she is already with her Savior. She was adored by all and will be greatly missed. Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Camp Aldersgate, 2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, AR 72205 or The Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation.
GRACE OMEGA ASHLEY was born November 2 1918 in what is now the East End community of Saline County at the home of her grandparents. She went to be with the Lord on Friday May 24 2019 at the age of 100. She was affectionately known by her family as Aunt Peggy. She was preceded in death by her husband Morris Riley Ashley, her parents N.T. Gwin and Pearl Cole Gwin-Wells, her sister Arvada and her nephew Wayne along with a special niece Monica. She is survived by her sister Dorothy, along with several nieces: Sandra Neville (Lawrence), Linda Rosshirt (Randy), Rhonda Young (Gary), Marsha Cole (Carl) and Angela Martindale Jackson. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and she always looked forward to holiday gatherings along with the annual Cole-Morden reunion each year. She lived alone at her residence until her 99th birthday at which time she moved in with her sister Dorothy. Her independent spirit and loving heart were her greatest strengths. Visitation will be held at East End Baptist Church on Tuesday May 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm with funeral services at the church on Wednesday at 10:00 am followed by a graveside at Salem Cemetery. Pallbearers are Kevin Young Brad Jackson Danny Jackson Brent Weatherly Blain Jackson Zachary Jackson Ryan Weatherly Justin Weatherly Jeremy Smith Russell Everhart, Honorary Pallbearer Shawn Eversole, Honorary Pallbearer Clergy will be Bro. Eddie Jackson and Bro. Ron Sanders.
BELINDA “BERT” BENEDETTI, age 59, of Benton, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019. She was born November 28, 1959 in Benton, Arkansas. Bert worked at UAMS as a cash control manager. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ragan; sister, Mary Lou Johnson and a brother, James Ragan. She is survived by her husband, Bart Benedetti; son, Chadwick Purdy (Angie); daughter, Tara Benedetti (Samantha); father, Billy Jo Ragan; brother, Charles A. Ragan and three grandchildren, Ragan Purdy, Grayson Purdy and Zaeden Benedetti all of Benton. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 14 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Harmony Cemetery on Hwy 10. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
RICHARD LEE HAGEN, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019.
SAMMY DALE THOMPSON of Benton, Ark., passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019. Dale was born in Floral, Ark., to Elva and John Thompson on July 2, 1933. He attended Pangburn schools where he met his future wife, Virginia Tole. Dale retired in 1995 as Little Rock Manager after 41 years with Anderson News Company. Upon his retirement, Virginia bought Cherry’s Hallmark, and their son Tim soon joined them at the business. Dale began his second career as the right-hand man for whatever needed to be done at the stores. Dale considered it an honor to work with his wife and son. In January, Dale and Virginia celebrated 66 years of marriage. Dale was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 45 years and served in various capacities, but his two greatest joys were serving as an usher every Sunday morning and serving on the building committee of the West Wing building. Dale was also a member of the Lion’s Club of Benton for over 40 years. In his free time, Dale enjoyed golfing with his friends Tom Taylor, Robbie Wood, and Ralph Jenkins, as well as gardening and fussing with the squirrels. Dale earned the nickname “Boatman” because he enthusiastically and selflessly drove the boat for his children, grandchildren, and all of their friends at the family lake house on Greers Ferry Lake. Dale was one of the few people who had the patience to teach scores of friends and family members how to ski. After he retired, one of his favorite pastimes was going back to Pangburn and working the land that the Tole family owns. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and John Thompson; two brothers, Herschel and Gerald Thompson; his sister, Margaret Cawthorn; and his daughter Lisa Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Benton; two children, Patti Thompson Ferguson (Max) and Tim Thompson (Heather), both of Little Rock; and seven grandchildren: Heather Ferguson, Andrew Ferguson, Madeline Ferguson Ray (Matthew), Taren Patterson, Claire Thompson, Will Thompson, and Matthew Thompson. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Jerry Thompson and Diane Cook (Jack); Sandra Baldridge, Debbie Dawson (Al), Robert Cawthorn, and Karen McIntosh (Michael); Ron Bridger (Bonnie) and John Bridger (Neita); and Greg Key (Sherri) and Julie Key. Dale will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Wanda Thompson; Katy Bridger (Harley); and Anita Key. Dale loved life. Every morning, when asked his plans for the day, he would respond, “I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s going to be fun!” Visitation will be Wednesday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 6, at Benton First United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM with Rev. Ben Crismon officiating. A graveside burial service will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday in Pangburn, Ark., at Henderson Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the best caregiver, Brittany Gay, and their church family and friends who provided meals, encouragement, and prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Legacy Fund at First United Methodist Church of Benton.
JOSEPH NEAL SCALLION, 60, of Paron, Arkansas passed away Saturday, June 8 at St. Vincent Hospice Facility in Hot springs, Arkansas. He was born November 26, 1958 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Hershall and Alpha (Louallen) Scallion. Joseph loved the Lord and was a member of Smyrna Church in Paron where he played the bass and piano. Joseph spent many years working as a truck driver. He enjoyed spending time outdoors camping and fishing. His greatest joy was his family and playing music. Preceding Joseph in death are his parents, Hershall and Alpha Scallion; and step-daughter, Tiffany Dodgen. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife of twenty-one and a half years, Lois Scallion; brother, Donnie Scallion; sister, Linda Kay Lattin; two step-sons: Jarrod Hester and Josh Hester; ten step grandchildren; two nephews; two great nephews; three great nieces; mother-in-law, Betty Nash; and a host of family members and friends who love Joseph and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 12, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Sis. Linda Zulpo and Bro. Bennie Stickley, will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 13 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial following at Walnut Bottom Cemetery in Paron. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
EDWARD PINKNEY HARTMAN, 81, passed away June 7, 2019 in Garland, Texas. He was born October 22, 1937 in Sabetha, Kansas to the late Elmer and Emily Hartman. Services will be held at a later date. Please check back next week for updated information. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
ISOBEL “JONI” HICKORY and God’s timing finally aligned when she peacefully went home Saturday June 8th after 99 years of love & service to others. She was born Isobel Johnson on May 3, 1920 to Louis and Ellie Johnson of Chestnut, LA. Joni attended nursing school and received her RN in 1940. She went on to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. and served as a front-line combat nurse throughout WWII in North Africa and the European continent. Joni met her husband Frank Hickory while in Europe and they were married in Belgium following the Battle of the Bulge. After the war she separated from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant, and she and Frank made their home in Minneapolis, MN where they raised four children. Upon “retirement” she moved to Heber springs, AR and continued nursing well into her 70’s until the hospital moved to computer records. Never one to sit idle, she began her second career of volunteering five days a week with four different organizations. Joni continued this until at 92 she officially retired to FoxRidge in Bryant, AR where she lived out her days eating ice cream and always keeping those around her on their toes. She was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, sisters Julia, Mozel, Nettie, Louisa and Willie May, and one brother Jerry. She is survived by her children Pam Schmuki (Claude), Patty Hendrix (Tim), Shari Arundel (David), and Steve Hickory (Jan), her brothers Richard and Leslie, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of wonderful people who cared for her and loved her over the years. She will be laid to rest in the Strange Family Cemetery in Louisiana with her husband and extended family. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of FoxRidge for taking care of and loving ‘Gram’ like she was their own. Memorials may be sent to the Strange Cemetery Memorial, Cleburne County Humane Society, Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve or Young Life.
MILDRED MARIE OXENRIDER, 88, of Benton, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 11, 2019. She loved her family and was devoted to them. Mildred was an amazing wife and mother. She had a great sense of humor and loved visiting with everyone. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Roy; an infant son, James LeRoy; daughter, Tami Dee; parents, Corbet and Velma Dodson; sister, Earnestine (Bill) McGinty and a nephew, Wayne McGinty. She is survived by two sisters, Rachel (Harrell) Ferguson and Wanda (Tommy) Wright. Mildred is also survived by an extended family including many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 14 at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Bro. Kyle Ferguson will be officiating. Family Comments: a special thank you to Donna Simpson for her devotion and care of Mildred.
RUSSELL ROBERT RANKIN, 80, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019. He was born to Edward and Katherine Rankin on Sunday, November 6, 1938 in Winter, Wisconsin. He loved working on his tractors, mowing lawns, and caring for his horses. He was hard working and always supported his family. He was such a joke teller! He was hard headed, but he could always make you smile. He enjoyed spending time laughing with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Rankin. Remaining to share memories are his two children, Robbie Rankin and Valerie Rankin-Schneider (Royce); six grandchildren, Michelle, Charrie, Amber, Joshua, Russell, and Bryce; three great grandchildren, Sophia, Maddie, and Cameron; five brothers, Pat, Dan, Fred, Mike, and David; along with a host of friends and other family who love and miss him dearly. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
TROY LEE JONES, 87, of East End, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019. He was born to George and Clara Jones on July 6, 1931 in Clinton, Arkansas. He loved deer hunting and playing his guitar. He was a long time member of East Union Baptist Church in East End. He was a Diesel Mechanic and a Teamster. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Thelma; son, David Jones; son-in-law, Kenneth Fletcher; along with all eight of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Fletcher; son, Roger Jones, Sr.; six grandchildren, Roger Jones, Jr., (Anjel), Samantha Fletcher (Casey), Caitlyn Nowlin, Joshua Jones (Grace), Nicholas Jones, and Cameron Fletcher; eight great grandchildren, Christopher Jones, Alivia Nowlin, Aubree Nowlin, Jayde Jones, Alice Jones, Hudson Fletcher, Jaxson Fletcher, and Elizabeth Jones; two special daughters-in-law, Tammy Jones and Delores Henson; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will begin Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 P.M with the service on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest next to his wife and son in Salem Cemetery of East End. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Tribute of Life Foundation of Hospice Home Care, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-Arkansas Division.
GENEVA MABEL PETERSON JOHNSON, 95, of Benton, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. She was born to Albert Jerome Peterson and Lilian Payne on Thursday, October 25, 1923 in Boulanger, Oklahoma. She was saved at her twin sister’s funeral when she was 12 years old in 1936. After that, she tried to get her parents and siblings to know the Lord. She read the Bible from front to back to know more about the Lord many times over. She was a woman of prayer and taught all her children to know the Lord. She have five sisters and two brothers: Bertha, Bob, Goldie, Irene, Wanda, Jeanette (twin), and Charlie; all whom had since left this world before her. She had eight children: Vickie Kinman (Don), Teddi Roberts (Eddie), Pete Hull (Sherry), Sam Johnson (Donna), Marvin Johnson, Virginia Jones (Jerry), Mark Johnson (Debbie), and Marsena Bone (Johnny). She had 24 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wyatt Hull; her husband, Gerald E. Johnson, in 1983; a son, Marvin David Johnson who died two days after birth in 1951; her daughter, Vicki Lynn Kinman, in 2011; a granddaughter, Mechelle Joy Roberts, in 1975; a grandson, Shane Joseph Johnson, in 2015. She was a Cashier for Sears, Newberry’s and Safeway. She was a waitress for 30 years and made many friends in Sedan, Kansas, after moving there to care for her elderly parents. She traveled to nearly all the states and lived in many different places over the years. Later in life, she moved to Arkansas and lived by her son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Sherry Hull. Then she was a caregiver for the elderly, and was well-loved by all she sat with. She cared for many who she kindly watched over until the end, and kept in contact with them over the years. Martha and Luther Guinn remained her special friends and they visited her often. She later lived with her daughter, Marsena and Johnny, until her death. She served the Lord with all her heart and wrote many letters of encouragement to all her family and friends. She gave willingly to anyone in need and donated regularly to many organizations, such as, veterans, widows, children, cancer research, and those who spread the gospel to many nations. She made sure all of her grandchildren had a full set of the Presidential dollars, and systematically bought and mailed to each one of them. Her favorite stories were about the ranch where she lived as a child in Cheyenne, Wyoming and about her young life in Colorado. She made up many tales to recite to her children and grandchildren that were very entertaining. One especially, was about the bug-a-boos. It was relating to the desire to return to Colorado after being bitten by the bug-a-boos. Her most important treasure was the Lord first, and then her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A special thanks to the Superior Home Health Care; especially, Chris Williams and Miranda Brewer who were right beside her to care for her and who become close friends with her. Also, another thanks to Home Hospice Care for providing the ultimate care for her for the last few weeks of her life. We can’t thank you enough! Pallbearers are Lorne Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Chad Jones, Wade Jones, Jeff Bone, and Allen Robson. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Johnson, Rodney Pierce, Jeremy Jones, Brant Jones, Jeff Bowie, Dustin Davis, and Gary Porterfield. Services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. with the visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Graveside will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.
CHARINA FLORENCE SMITH, 94, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away June 8, 2019. She was born March 24, 1925 in Seneca Falls, New York to the late Michael and Lydia (DiLilla) Caruso. Charina was dearly loved by her family and will be missed always. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers and Kindred Home Care for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Charina. Special time of visitation will be held 6:00-7:30 PM, Tuesday, June 18, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Seneca Falls, New York with burial at St. Columbkille Cemetery on Monday, June 24 under the direction of Doran Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
GLENN ERIC CHEATHAM, 62, of Benton, Arkansas passed away June 12, 2019. He was born June 3, 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Roy Bennett and Billie J. (Yearwood) Cheatham. Glenn worked for the State of Arkansas with the Highway Department. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a member of Salem United Methodist Church. One of Glenn’s most proud accomplishment was the construction of the Broadway Bridge in Little Rock, which was the result of a memo Glenn submitted to the City of Little Rock explaining the necessity and benefits. Glenn was talented at wood working and designed the arc at Salem United Methodist Church. Glenn enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and riding his bicycle. Preceding Glenn in death are his parents. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Lydia Cheatham of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Stephanie Gilbert and husband Nathan of Bauxite, Arkansas; sister, Wanda Cheatham of Bartlett, Tennessee; and many family members and friends who love Glenn and will miss him always. Family will hold a memorial service at 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 15, at Salem United Methodist Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com
RAY CORWIN LANCASTER, 86, of Bryant, went home to be with Jesus on June 12, 2019. He was born in Little Rock to Lawrence and Cecil Dyer Lancaster. After graduating from Mabelvale High School, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He then began his career with the Little Rock Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief after 36 years of service. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #714 and also a member of Local 204 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Ray was an active lifelong member of Henderson United Methodist Church which he supported through his prayers, his presence, his gifts and his service. He made many lasting friendships in the Wesley Sunday School Class. Ray enjoyed helping his friends, neighbors and the community. For many years, he kept the neighborhood mailboxes repaired. He was recognized for his ability to fix what was broken or bring new life to things that others might discard. He served on the board of the Bryant Senior Adult Center. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Ellis Lancaster; daughter, Susan Wright (David) of Bryant; son, Mark Lancaster (Kim) of Arvada, Colorado; sister, Carolyn Graham (Ed) of Arkadelphia; grandchildren, Josh Wright (Mollie) of Fayetteville, and Kate and Keira Lancaster of Arvada; great-grandchildren, Bo and Josie Wright; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. A special thanks to the many family and friends who cared for, visited and supported Ray through the final season of his life on this side of heaven. Throughout his life, Ray enjoyed working hard, loving people and having fun. Interment will be Saturday, June 15 at 9:00 a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Visitation will follow at Henderson United Methodist Church beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00, officiated by Rev. Melvin Moss and Rev. Kevin Lyon. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. Ray’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
COL. ALVIN C. MURRAY III Sep 6, 1939 – Jun 11th, 2019 Birth Date: Sep 6, 1939 Death Date: Jun 11, 2019 Service arrangements for Lt. Col. Alvin C. Murray III of Hot Springs Village are pending at this time and will be announced shortly.