Randy K. Predmore, 61, of Alexander, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 6, 2020. He was born November 22, 1958 in Concordia, Kansas. He was a man of many talents and hobbies. Randy loved helping anyone in any way they needed. He enjoyed wood working, being outdoors and his family. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin & Irene Predmore and his sisters, Brenda & Cindy. He is survived by his children, Josh Predmore (Tammy) and Chelsea Cavenor (Steve); brother, Michael Predmore (Janelle); granddaughter, Makenzie; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends to cherish his memory. Randy wished to be cremated and his ashes to be spread at his grandparents farm in Kansas. The family would like to thank Saline Memorial Hospice, especially Chrystina, for their care and support.
Betty Jo Zearley, 77 of Benton, passed away on August 5, 2020. She was born on July 4, 1943 in Tulare, California to the late Vernon and Faye Wall Greer. Betty was a member of Holland Chapel Baptist Church and loved attending when her health permitted. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Herman Zearley. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Susane) Zearley of Hazelton, Idaho, Vernon (Beverly) Zearley of Amarillo, Texas, daughter, Diana (Bryce) Minner of Benton, grandchildren, Chris Walker, Ashleigh Zearley, Andrea Zearley, Chris Minner and Christie (Austen) Walls, great grandchildren, Brayden Howard, Aimslee Minner and Jacee Minner. Betty will be greatly missed by all who loved her, family and friends.
Ganada Jo Brett, 80 of Benton, was reunited with her husband, James Bobby Brett for eternity, on August 3, 2020. She was born on November 6, 1939 in Bussey, Arkansas to the late John Carlton and Clara Lillian Meeler Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, nephews, Christopher Shane Cordrey and Joshua Matthew Cordrey and beautiful niece, LaDonna LeAnn Mitchell. Ganada leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Becky Juanese Thomas of Benton, , granddaughters, April Thomas (Jerry Applegarth) Stephanie Thomas; great granddaughters, Angel, Brooke, Samantha and Becky, great great granddaughters, Bailee-Anne and Kimberlee, brother, Don (Debbie) Mitchell of Conway, sister, Jeanette (Jay) Yeager of Batesville; two nieces and a nephew, numerous friends and family who will miss her greatly.
Patricia “Pat” Ann James, 85 of Benton, passed away on August 5, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on July 19, 1935 to the Reverend Dennison Fulton and Eva Virginia Ellison Yates. Pat was the oldest of six children and helped her mother care for her younger siblings. She cherished memories of chasing her younger brothers before school to put shoes on them and they in turn chasing her around the house in the afternoon with a bug in hand. She never lost that caring spirit and carried it with her throughout her life. She made everyone she met feel special and loved. Pat had an unwavering faith in God and He blessed her with a beautiful soprano voice that she shared with us all. Pat was a member of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church, singing in the choir and serving wherever she was needed. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nolan James of Benton, son, Michael James of Benton and brothers, Ron Yates of Beebe, Dennison Yates, Jr. of Bella Vista and Jay Yates of Quitman. Survivors include her son, Steve (Levon) James of Benton, grandsons, Brad (Tiffany) James of Benton and David James of Benton, granddaughters, Megan (Wes) Perry of Benton and Heather James of Greenbrier, brother, William (Carolyn) of Conway, sister, Janice (Ken) Estes of Magnolia, four great grandchildren and a host of much loved nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Nick James, Jerry James, David James, Mark Yates, Josh Mungle and Kenny Payne.
William Lloyd “Bill” Howard, 68, of Lonsdale (Crows Community), went to be with his heavenly father on August 3, 2020. He was born on August 13, 1951, in Sacramento, California, to Hurley and Virginia Howard. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Howard. Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kay Howard; daughters, Melissa Rigsby (Joe) and Mandy Shelnut (Cayce); his son, Seth Biehslich (Michaela); and grandchildren Brock, William, Cole, Emersyn, Tristyn, and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Howard (Dixie), and nieces, Holly and Jamie, of Sacramento, California. Bill had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed doing anything that involved being outside. He retired from the Arkansas Forestry Commission in 2012 after 23 years of service. He was always an advocate for the Smokey Bear program and donned the costume to teach kids fire safety. From 2003 until his medical retirement, he also participated as a FEMA crewmember. One of his more notable jobs was as part of the Columbia space shuttle recovery team. He also worked many national wildfires around the country. Bill loved his community at Crows. He owned and ran Crows Station for nearly a decade. He was instrumental in creating the program at Crows Fire Department. He was an avid conservationist for local resources within the community. He held membership at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, and more recently at Owensville Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers are Daryl Ray, Randy Ellison, Mike Godwin, and John Joiner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree in Bill’s memory. Please contact Angie Davis at the Arkansas Forestry Commission (501-332-2081) for a tree, or to send a monetary donation.
Stephen Omer Blake, age 63, of Benton passed away on Saturday August 1, 2020. He was born November 10, 1957 in Racine Wisconsin. Stephen was a Machinist and a Pentecost. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ruthie Lattin Blake. Survivors, son, Adam Blake, Mabelvale; four brothers, three sisters, and two grandchildren.
Doris Ranelle Mixon, age 73, of Little Rock, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020. She was born May 14, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Doris retired from the Arkansas Highway Department after more than 40 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan D. and Charlene McKinzie and two sisters, Charlotte McKinzie and Linda Jones. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Charles M. Mixon; three daughters, Aleda Barry, Stacy Griffin and Molly Kara Burgess; son, Charles Grayson Mixon; brother, John Nolan McKinzie; two sisters, Joyce Lee and Bonnie Eilers; fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas @ 201 Markham Center Dr. in Little Rock, AR 72205 or www.alzark.org.
Ardy Ray Berry, 69, of Benton, Arkansas passed away August 8, 2020. He was born October 11, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Ethel Mary DeLong. Ardy was a truck driver who travelled the United States. Big trucks, especially Peterbuilts, and fast cars were his passion. He enjoyed listening to country music. Ardy likes nice clothes and shoes and was a sharp dresser who never went out without a starched shirt complete with pearl buttons. Ardy was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Mary DeLong; and grandchild, Kyler. He leaves behind four children: Pamela Anne berry of Benton, Arkansas, Ruth Davis and husband Tony of Virginia, James Berry of Benton, Arkansas, and Leslie Brown and husband Jonathan of Washington; grandchildren: Samantha, Shelby, Jake, Megan, Lillie, Jayden, Ava, and Kayson; sister, Mary Kinney of Washington; and many more family members and friends who love Ardy and will miss him always.
Gregory “Greg” James Stickney, Sr., 52, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away August 5, 2020. He was born April 1, 1968 in Waukesa, Wisconsin to George James Stickney and Diane Dillman. Greg loved the Lord with all his heart and was so thankful for the way God changed his life. He was a member of Malvern First Assembly of God. Greg gave sacrificially in helping others. He would give anyone the shirt off his own back if it would help them. You could always find Greg spending time outdoors- hunting, fishing, or drag racing. He was a member of Ridgeback Hunting Club. Before he started building his home, he and Mary would go to Tar Camp to fish every day. Greg built his own race car and spent many weekends on the drag strip. He loved his Mustang and anything that had to do with Mustangs. Greg loved his fur babies: Koda and Alli, who he affectionately named “The Princess.” As much as Greg loved everything mentioned above, nothing compared to his love for his God and his family. He cherished his family and looked forward to spending time with them. Preceding Greg in death are his grandparents; and brother-in-law, Charlie Green. He leaves behind his fiance’, Mary Ellis from Mabelvale, Arkansas; son, Gregory James Stickney, Jr. of Cabot, Arkansas; daughter, Rachael Russell of Cabot, Arkansas; mother, Diane Dillman of Malvern, Arkansas; father, George James Stickney of Calico Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren: Bentley Stickney, Bryson Stickney, Joshua Mathis, Jayson McKellips, Odin Mathis, and Pyper Dodson; sister, Michele Green of Amity, Arkansas; step-children: Anthony Mathis and wife Domonique and Misty Mathis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends who love Greg and will miss him always.
Benjamin Floyd Poole, III, passed away August 2, 2020. He was born June 30, 1950 in Jonesboro, Louisiana to the late Benjamin Floyd Jr. and Aubie Mae (Thompson) Poole. Benjamin enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially swimming. He was the Boy Scout leader for Troop 295 for many years. Spending time encouraging the boys to do their best, always be prepared, and to do a good deed every day was special to Benjamin. He cherished the time spent with the boys teaching life lessons they will never forget. Preceding Benjamin in death are his parents, his son, Andrew Poole; and his brother, Gene Poole. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of forty years, Janet Poole; and many family members and friends who love Benjamin and will miss him always. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Boy Scouts of America in his honor.
Theresa Robinson, 58, of Benton, Arkansas passed away August 1, 2020. She was born October 10, 1961 in California to the late Harold and Norma Hutchinson. Theresa loved country music, traveling, and pressing her luck at the casinos. Her family meant the world to her and she was their rock and supporter. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Theresa never met a stranger and loved everyone she knew. Preceding Theresa in death are her parents and brother, Dennis Hutchinson. She leaves behind the love of her life who she met in 2013 and married just a short two years ago, Kenneth Robinson of Benton, Arkansas; son, Omid Seyed-Sadr and wife Courtney of Van Buren, Arkansas; daughter, Cobra Seyed-Sadr and husband Aumier Harris of Las Vegas; grandchildren: Jayla, Haven, Aayden, Brooke, Cady, Keelie, Zahryn, Agape’, Devan, Kode, Angel, and Dixie; two great-granchildren: Jaci and Zoey; brothers: David Hutchinson and wife Roberta of Fort Smith, Jeff Hutchinson of Fort Smith, John Hutchinson and wife Michelle of Cedarville, Arkansas; two step-children: Melina Hayes Stowe of Benton, Arkansas and K.L. Robinson of Clinton, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Theresa and will miss her always.
Harris R. Jacobs, 88, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord August 7, 2020. Harris was born to Austin and Ruby Jacobs in Herbine, Arkansas. Harris was a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier for 33 years in Pine Bluff, AR. After retiring from the postal service he drove a bus serving special needs children of the Pine Bluff School District for 20 years before retiring to Benton, Arkansas with his wife. Harris was active in church work, devoting his life in helping ministries and missionaries. Harris is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Jacobs, sisters Annette Moss and Nancy Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat Jacobs; son James L. Jacobs, grandchildren Micah Jacobs and Tiffany Arkless (Wes Arkless) great grandchildren Jessalynn and Tayden ; sister, Barbara Hutcheson “David”, and a host of nieces and nephews. Special thank you to Hospice Care, Superior Care, and to the VA .
Ricky Mann, 61 of Benton went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 07, 2020 with his family by his side. He was a wonderful man of God, who loved his children and grandchildren beyond measure. Ricky loved being outside, he had a very good work ethic and was always a hard worker. He enjoyed singing and watching westerns. Ricky was a faithful church member of Christ Church for 35 years. He met his amazing wife there. Ricky loved his church family as his own. He is preceded in death by his dad, Gilbert Mann; two brothers Greg and Bert Mann. Ricky is survived by his loving wife of 17 years Desiree Mann; three sons, Wesley, Tony and David; four daughters, Misty, Tonya, Tiffany, Stephanie; nine grandchildren, Anna, Anthony, Gunnar, Ethan, Bianca, Rafe, Nathan, Beau, Adelynn, and his best bud Gus Gus; two great grandchildren, mother, Betty Ward; three sisters, Vickie, Cathy and Penny. A host of family and friends who all love him and miss him dearly.
Mary Frances McKewen of Little Rock, AR, passed away August 5, 2020, at the age of 65. She was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Mary loved reading scripture, attending Bible Study, gardening, baking and her pets. She loved spending time with her family and had her own special way of making everyone feel special. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; Max Lee and Frances Elizabeth Purcell. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years John McKewen; three children, Monica Patrick “Clay”, Wesley McKewen and Laura Sutton “Clint”; six grandchildren, Emma, Caleb, Lily, Carter, Annie and Barrett; six siblings, Shirley, Jane, Diane, Linda, Max Jr. and Bill; host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly.
Charlie Richard “Dickie” Lattin of Mabelvale, Arkansas, went home to be with Jesus, to the kingdom in heaven, on August 02, 2020, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital, in Little Rock, at the age of 73 . Dickie was born to Samuel D. Lattin Sr. and Annie Lois Jones Lattin, on June 04, 1947, in Bauxite, Arkansas. In 1970, Dickie married his beautiful bride, Sherry Diane Brown and God blessed them with three handsome boys. Ricky (Sandy Kay), Anthony (Doris) and Bradley (Jennifer) Lattin. And later in life, they were both blessed with three grandchildren, Cody, Gabbi, Bailey and two step-grandchildren, Dalton and Keaton. “Dickie”, “Pops”, “Silvertooth” and “Papaw”, were some of the names that his precious family and friends gave him. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband, father, father-n-law, brother, brother-n-law, uncle, cousin and friend, Dickie was a Sergeant, who served in Korea on the DMZ, as an Imjin Scout, in the United States Army. He was also a minister, for over 30 yrs. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and he loved singing and playing the guitar, every Sunday in church or any other opportunity, that he got to praise the Lord around family and friends. Dickie retired after 20 years as a truck driver, with AAA Cooper. Throughout Dickie’s entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him and everywhere he went. Dickie enjoyed spending time with his wife and family and ministering to everyone he knew. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being at the deer camp with his boys and hunting buddies. Dickie also loved going to the beach with his family and putting his toes in the sand. And if Dickie gave you a hard time, then you knew he definitely loved you. He pretty much gave everyone a hard time. He gave unselfishly and put others before himself. The minute you met him, you would become a lifetime friend. Dickie is preceded in death by his father, Samuel D. Lattin, Sr. and mother, Annie Lois Jones Lattin. Five sisters, Annie L. Lattin, Rachel White, Josephine Wear, Ruthie Blake and Shirley Glaze. Two brothers, James Franklin and Robert “Bobby”, Sr. Dickie is survived by his beautiful, loving wife, Sherry, of 50 years, sons, Ricky and his wife, Sandy Kay, Anthony and his wife, Doris, Bradley and his wife, Jennifer, his grandchildren, his step-grandchildren, six brothers, Samuel “Sammy”, Jr., Leslie, Freddie, Ronnie, Johnny and Billy Lattin, two sisters, Louise Davis and Lyndia Baker. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Cody Lattin, Bailey Lattin, Mark Brown, Nick Brown, David Brown and Dusty Fre. Honorary Pallbearers are Samuel “Sammy” Lattin Jr., Leslie Lattin, Freddie Lattin, Ronnie Lattin, Johnny Lattin and Billy Lattin.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, Stacey Brooks, loving wife, mother and daughter, passed away at age 56.
Stacey was born Jan. 21, 1964, in Benton, to Robert and Rene (Phillips) Bragg. She was a graduate of Benton High School. On Aug. 25, 1984, she married Michael Wayne Brooks. They raised two daughters, Lana and Lacey. She had a passion for helping others. Stacey was known for her infectious smile, quirky humor and her kind and compassionate spirit. She was also an avid music lover, especially the Beatles. Stacey was preceded in death by her father, Robert Bragg; and her father-in-law, John Brooks. She is survived by her husband, Michael; two children, Lana and Lacey; her mother, Rene Bragg; a brother, Lindy; her mother-in-law, Loraine Brooks; several uncles; an aunt; cousins; a niece; and nephews.
Harold Lee Wilder Jr., 58, of Bauxite, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9. He was born May 7, 1962, in Benton, to the late Harold Wilder Sr. and Mary Francis Wilder. Harold worked for Carlisle Construction and was a great carpenter.
He is survived by a son, Nicholas Wilder (Becca); a daughter, Jessica Welch (Chris); a brother, Howard Lee Wilder; two sisters, Laura McCool (Davy) and Lisa Hradecky (Jozef); and eight grandchildren, Nicholas, McKenzie, Eoghan, Baili, Sadie, Jason, Seth and Callie.
Waylon Carl Moren, of Sardis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son and friend, joined hands with Jesus in death at his home Sunday, Aug. 9, at the age of 87. Born on July 10, 1933, and raised in the Fairview Community, he was the first-born child of the late Carl C. and Agnes Everhart Moren. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Nona Faye (Crone) Moren, for 65 years. Waylon was a loyal and devoted member of the Sardis United Methodist Church, serving in many callings with much love and diligence. At death, he belonged to the Wesleyan Sunday School Class, senior citizens group TNT and the United Methodist Men’s group. He was a 1951 graduate of Sheridan High School. There he served as senior class president, was part of the varsity basketball team and played American Legion baseball. He went on to attend Southern Arkansas University, then known as Southern State University. Waylon served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. After his military service, he was employed by Alcoa Aluminum Company of America for 36 years where he became supervisor and coordinator of the chemical products department.
Over the years, he served his community in many capacities, notably the Benton-Alcoa Federal Credit Union, where he served as president of the board for many years, the Saline County Farm Bureau board of directors and was the election coordinator of the Sardis polling site until recently. Waylon was an avid golfer and had the privilege of playing many of the courses in Arkansas. He held memberships at the Castle Valley and Stone Links country clubs. Waylon loved the outdoors and deer hunting and was a founding member of the Gilmore Hunting Club. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Fay Moren; a daughter, Belinda Guinn (Troy); and a son, Roger Moren (Julie), all of Sardis; a son, Duane Moren (Beth), of Salesville; a sister, Martha Jones (Joe); and a brother, Dale Moren (Lynette)m all of the Fairview community. His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will hold dear to the many fond memories of their Papaw. They include five grandchildren, Sirron Ritchie (Matt), Jared Guinn (Bailey), Lana Langston (Kyle), Lakyn Moren and Will Moren; and six great-grandchildren, Caroline Ritchie, Jensen Guinn, Wyatt Ritchie, Cora Guinn, Hattie Faye Guinn and Waylon Guinn. Pallbearers are his nephews, Eddie Cole, Charles Crone, Danny Jones, Kendall Jones, David Crone and Clark Crone. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class, Sardis United Methodist TNT group and the Gilmore Hunting Club.
Linda Westbrook, beloved Mother and “Nana”, of Toano, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2020, while at home with her family in Toano. Linda Gail Tittle Westbrook was born on September 27, 1946, to JB and Pauline Tittle in Benton, Arkansas, and raised in the Kentucky Community of Saline County. She was a member of the Benton High School graduating class of 1964, a close-knit group of caring and amazing friends whom she cared for very much. In her early life, Linda enjoyed playing softball and bowling with numerous friends and co-workers. She had a varied working career in several fields and organizations, including; the Saline County Courthouse, the Saline County Abstract Company, and finally retirement with the State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Interagency Training Office in 2008. A former devoted member of Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church in Saline County, Linda had most recently enjoyed being an active member of Smith Memorial Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, since 2018. In both locations, she leaves behind a wealth of dedicated brothers and sisters in Christ. Linda was also a member of the Congo Hill #620 Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Benton, Arkansas. She also achieved admission to the National Honor Society Phi Beta Kappa while getting her Associates Degree in Applied Science in Business from Pulaski Technical College in 2005. She is preceded in death by her parents, JB and Pauline Tittle of Benton, her sister-in-law, and life-long friend Myra Burton Tittle of Benton, as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins that she cherished. She is survived by her son, Jeffery Lance Westbrook, his wife Tyler, and their children Emery and Jameson of Toano, Virginia, a beloved brother Larry Tittle and three Nephews and their families (Justin, Bryson, and Clint Tittle) all of Benton. She is also survived by 4 Aunts, including June Vineyard and Melba Harris of Benton, Laveda Tittle of Conway, and Kay Tittle of Little Rock, Arkansas. Linda also leaves behind a wealth of cousins whom she loved as great friends.