Samuel Preston Bridges, of Benton, was born January 18, 1931 in the Landmark community of Pulaski County to Terrel and Hazel Bridges. He entered into heaven on February 5, 2021 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Erma Bridges and two children Randy Bridges of Hot Springs and Lisa Bridges of Benton. He had five grandchildren, Jeremy Stegall, Lauren Euseppi, Justin Stegall, Dr. Sarah Tingle, Molli Anne Bridges and ten great grandchildren. He had two siblings T.J. Bridges and Augustine Clay both of Benton. Preceding him in death were one grandchild, Aaron, one great grandchild, Jack Samuel and two siblings Paul Bridges and Joy Koehler. Preston was raised in the Shaw Community and attended Bauxite schools graduating in 1949, then attended Draughon’s School of Business where he obtained an engineering degree. Preston was a Radio Man, he built many stations around the country and for over 45 years kept Saline County residents informed of the news, sports and community events over the airwaves of radio stations KGKO and KAKI. He was a very popular radio DJ especially on snow days in Saline County as parents and children alike tuned in to the radio to find out about school closures. He was President of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association in 1969 and was awarded the Pioneer award for broadcasting in 1990 and Arkansas Broadcasters Class Award in 1998. Active in his community Preston was a member of First Baptist Church for over sixty years, a member of the Lions club and the Chamber of Commerce. His favorite hobby was flying his airplane and as he liked to say – “Blowing holes in the sky”. He was a gardener and had a vineyard from which he made his own private label wine. He enjoyed spending time at his Tree Farm on Highway 35 where he oversaw the timber management and had a radio tower for KGKO and KAKI. Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas will host visitation at 10 am on Tuesday February 9th followed by a service at 11 am. Memorials may be made to the Bauxite Museum, 6707 Benton Street, Bauxite, Arkansas 72011 and Arkansas Broadcasters Association Scholarship Fund, 2024 Arkansas Valley Drive, Suite 403 Little Rock, Arkansas 72212.
Leatrice Joy Landers (Lea), age 90, of Benton, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lacy Landers, granddaughter, Lorie Black, and three brothers, JW, Dexter, and Henry Bell. Born to Henry Bell and Tennye Bell in Centerpoint, Arkansas. She is survived by two daughters, JoNell Mallory (Jim) and Lisa McGuire (Steve). Grandchildren are Mistie Black, Todd McGuire (Meagan), and Brice McGuire (Ashley). Four great-grandchildren; Laci Larsen, Luke Larsen, Beckett McGuire, and Isaac McGuire. Brother-in-law Jim Landers (Deegy), numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for forty plus years. She was also a member of the Morning Glories Choir and Women’s Missionary Union. She worked 32 years with her late husband, Lacy Landers, at the Arkansas General Assembly. Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4th at First Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. The service may be viewed by live streaming at fbcbenton.org/live. Burial will follow at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 211 South Market Street, Benton, AR, 72015. Family comments: Lea (Nanny) will be greatly missed, but we are thankful for the years of love, leadership, and guidance. She had an impact on many lives both young and old. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Ann Kathleen Dwelle, 62, of Benton, Arkansas passed away February 1, 2021. She was born September 27, 1958 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Jim and Jeanene (Miller) Cruse. Ann was a middle school teacher for many years. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be missed always. Family to hold private services. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Jorge Alberto Berkefer — Nació el 20 de mayo de 1938, en San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Desde muy pequeño supo que solo con el trabajo y esfuerzo se logra salir adelante. Moviéndose a la ciudad Puerto Cortes a la edad de 13 años donde aprendió diferentes oficios destacándose más en la carpintería. En 1963 se mudó a la comunidad de Cuyamel, un ex campo bananero en Omoa, Cortes para instalar su primer negocio de carpintería. El empezó sus trabajos a mano, garlopa y serrucho, pero con una visión de enseñar y crear puestos de trabajo para el bien de la comunidad, todos vimos como jóvenes y adultos empezaron sus primeros trabajos con el y ahora son excelentes maestros carpinteros con sus propios negocios. El que no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir. Esta era una de sus frases favoritas. En 1964 conoció a Sara Rivera una muchacha humilde y de buenos sentimientos. El la enamoraba con poemas de amor y con muchos detalles, el cuando pasaba por su casa le silbaba para que ella lo viera el siempre fue un eterno enamorado y muy romántico. Jorge y Sara procrearon 5 hijas y 2 hijos: Rolando Berkefer, Oneyda Berkefer, Sara Berkefer, Omar Berkefer, Aida Berkefer, Lubia Berkefer e Isis Berkefer. La forma en que criaron a sus hijos fue lo más lindo que puede haber, a todos les enseñó un oficio o les dio un estudio para que hoy sean personas de bien. El siempre dijo: Por sus hechos los conoceréis! Una de tantas frases llenas de sentimiento y los poemas que tanto nos hacía disfrutar quedarán guardados siempre en nuestras memorias. Cuyamel que por entonces habían muy pocas familias más el fué ganándose el cariño de la gente convirtiéndose casi de inmediato en un líder para la comunidad que ocupó muchos cargos públicos en beneficio de la comunidad haciendo siempre énfasis en la educación, medio ambiente y solidaridad. Su vida fue servir al prójimo. Los servicios funebres serán el día viernes 5 de febrero 2021 de 2:00 pm a 4:00 pm, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N Market St. Benton, AR 72015-3735
Taraben Ramanlal Pipwala, 82, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away January 29, 2021. She was born March 18, 1938 in India. Private services were held in her honor. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Amos Wolf, Jr., 59, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away January 29, 2021. He was born July 5, 1961 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Amos Wolf, Sr. and Hattie J. (Harjo) Wolf. Family will hold private memorial service. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Carol Marie Ferguson Puryear, 70 of Bryant, AR passed away January 28th, 2021. She was born February 1st, 1950 to the late Charles and Bertie Ferguson in Inglewood, California. She is preceded in death by her daughter Melissa Hawkins and her parents. Carol is survived by her children Jeffrey Hawkins, Jennifer Clemmons her husband Tommy Clemmons, Amanda Hawkins; her two sisters Barbara Stafford, Pamela Kinder; her niece and three nephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Eddeane “Dee” Marie Garrett 69, of Bryant passed away on January 31, 2021. Dee was born on September 4, 1951 to the late, Edward and Barbara Weast in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoyed going to the lake with her family, going yard sailing and to flea markets. Dee had been attending Indian Springs Baptist Church and was incredibly involved in the Ladies Group. Her most treasured times was spent with her grandkids and family. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Garrett; parents and her daughter, Tammy Garrett. Dee is survived by her loving son, John Garrett “Tonya” three grandchildren, Matthew, Blake and Victoria; beloved dog, Roscoe and a host of family and friends who all love her and will miss her dearly. Memorial service will Monday February 08, 2021 at 3:00 at Indian Springs Baptist Church. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.