Vickey (Vick) Darryl Goodner, 73, of Benton, passed away April 7th, 2021. He was born October 4th, 1947 in Phoenix, AZ to Beatrice and Boyd Goodner. Vick was a graduate from Oden High School and the University of Arkansas. He spent 30 plus years in telecommunications. Vick was a man of many skills and loved by all. His ‘Ponderosa,’ as he called it, was his favorite place. Giving him ample space to tinker with his beloved ’46 Ford Coupe, practice his woodworking talents and build a campsite for his grandkids. He was an avid outdoorsman and spending months prepping for dove season or spring bass fishing were some of his most enjoyable days. Besides being a great father, brother, grandfather and friend, Vick would go out of his way to make anyone he met feel comfortable. Preceding Vick in death are his father, Boyd Deverauex Goodner; and mother, Lola Beatrice Vickery. He is survived by his son, Boyd (Cristin) Goodner; his daughter Blair (Justin) Cochran; and grandchildren; Jude Cochran, Gray Goodner, Jack Cochran, Eleanor Cochran, Elliott Goodner and Finn Cochran. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Goodner; his nephews James Goodner and Grant (Laura) Goodner and his niece, Cristal Goodner. Also survived by Donna Goodner, the mother of his children. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home on Saturday, April 10th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Private burial services will be Sunday, April 11th at Pine Ridge Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Vicks name. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Ray M. Crowson, 85, of Benton, passed away Tuesday April 6, 2021. He was born February 24, 1936 in Bauxite, Arkansas to the late William Crowson Sr. and Mamie Ashcraft Crowson. Mr. Crowson served in the United States Navy and later retired from Alcoa. He was a lifetime member of New Hope United Methodist Church and also attended Benton First Church of the Nazarene. He loved the Lord, his family, his cats, and his dog, Toby. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma Ritchey Crowson, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage; brothers, John Crowson, Bobby Crowson, and Billy Crowson; sisters, Pearl Buckelew and Evelyn Faye Bledsoe. He is survived by brothers, Dub (Bonnie) Crowson, his twin Ralph Crowson, and Kenneth Billingsley; sisters-in-law, Pug Crowson and Doris Ritchey; son, Michael Crowson; daughters, Mamie Crowson, Theresa Crowson and Helen Whitson; granddaughter, Dr. Kristen Whitson. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9 at Ashby Funeral Home. Chapel Services will be held at Ashby Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10 with Rev. Shari Day and Rev. Brady Lane officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church c/o Judy Watson at 5613 Bauxite Cutoff Road in Bauxite, AR 72011, Benton First Church of the Nazarene or the Saline County Humane Society. Special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice for their care.
Jacky Carroll Helmich, age 63, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday April 7, 2021. He was born on April 16, 1957 in Benton. Jacky was a Sales Engineer for Flowserve Pumps and a member of Fellowship Bible Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Arthur Helmich. Survivors, wife, Lauretta Faye Plummer Helmich, Benton; sons and daughters-in-law, Brantley Helmich (Melissa), Benton; Blaine Helmich (Jamie), Little Rock; Mother, Lita Fay Keesee (Sonny), brother, Jonny Helmich (Toni), Benton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tammy Powell (Benny), Arla Winfield (Roger), Benton; Janna Jennings (Bryan), Benton; one grandson, Hudson. Family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home.
Anthony Richard Scuderi, 36 of Kingsland, Arkansas, passed away on April 6, 2021. He was born on April 17, 1984 in Orlando, Florida to Anthony and Kimberley Zabel Scuderi. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Scuderi. Anthony is survived by his mother, Kimberley and stepfather, Jonathan Osborne, son, Anthony M. Scuderi, brothers, Justin R. Scuderi and Jonathan W. Osborne and sister, Patricia Fontaine; fiance’, Sheena Clingan. Chapel services will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Richard Blake Spickard, 51 of Bauxite, passed away on April 5, 2021. He was born on January 2, 1970 in Little Rock to Richard L. and Evana Vehn Spickard. A Salesman for Scott Equipment Company since 2003 and prior to that a General Manger at Rushing and Mason. Blake had a love of heavy equipment and his customers; his famous quote was “I have a lot of brown iron out there.” Blake was a fan of Nascar and also had his own Season in the seat of Hobby Stock Car Racing. Anything with a wheel, and was often heard saying, “I was born to drive.” He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Owen Spickard, maternal grandparents, Laura and Erling Vehn and Uncle Tom Spickard. Left to carry on his memory, wife of 17 years, Danette Spickard, daughter, Summer Spickard, three stepdaughters and their spouses; six grandchildren; mother, Evana McCoy and step father, Johnnie (whom he dearly loved and held a special place in his heart), his beloved father, Richard L. Spickard, brother, Brett Spickard, who would “Walk through hell for him wearing a gasoline Suit”, grandmother, Lexie Spickard and numerous aunts, uncles and friends who loved him. Pallbearers will be Mark and Matt McCoy, Eric Brown, Monty West, Scott Harvill, Lance Hodges and Jason Luttrell. Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Thursday, April 8th, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Graveside services by Ashbys will be Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Mt. Olive Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Helen Marie Hairston, age 89, passed away peacefully April 3, 2021, due to natural causes. She was born March 8, 1932 in Bryant, Arkansas to Lula Bessie and Joseph Marion Craig. Her mother passed away when she was four years old and she and her siblings were raised by her uncle, George Couch. She graduated from Bryant High School in 1950, and in February of 1952, she married Delbert Dwain Hairston who preceded her in death in 2013. Helen retired from Reynolds Metals after 30 years of service. With the exception of living in Richmond, Virginia for five years to fulfill retirement, she and Dwain lived in the Bryant/Benton area their entire lives. Following retirement, they owned a home in Florida so they could “escape” the winters of central Arkansas. She loved that time making new friends, playing cards, shopping and even playing a little golf. Many of those friends were from other parts of the country which gave them reason to travel and she kept in contact with them until the last few years of her life. Helen loved the area in which she lived and constantly kept up with current events and friends in the area. She was especially grateful to have her daughter and grandchildren in the area to spend time with. She also had open arms and a warm welcome for her sons and their family to show up anytime from afar. Also preceding her in death was her son, Roger Keith Hairston, who passed away in 2013; a sister, Jean Elrod and a brother, Loy Craig. Helen is survived by her son, Kent (Darla) Hairston; her daughter, Sherri (Tim) Poe and grandchildren; Rachel (Bryan) Garner, Timmy (Ashley) Poe, Gill (Jeremy) Heatley, Ryan (Cassie) Hairston and Keely (Andrew) Norman. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren; Linlee Garner, Boone Garner, Charley Heatley, Benton Heatley, Kase Norman, Jed Norman and Arlee Poe. Her last great-grandchild, Jed, was born one day before she passed away. Our many thanks to Toni Hill who cared for Helen her last two years. Our family would also like to thank the nurses and caregivers from Saline Memorial Hospice who treated Helen with dignity and compassion. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 AM Friday at Pine Crest Cemetery. Minister will be Jim Gardner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Edna Bettis, age 79, of Benton passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021. She was born June 10, 1941 in Hot Springs. Edna was a housewife. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Madge Barnett Terry, her husband John Bettis, brother, Billie Terry. Survivors, daughters, Karen Trantham (Thomas), and Judy Renegar (Charles), brothers, Gilbert Terry, Jesse Terry and Donald Terry, sisters, Ester Michau, June Swaim, and Sheila Perry, four grandchildren, Allison Cooley, Matthew Renegar, Alexandria Trantham, and Julia Trantham. Edna was a loving mother, housewife, nursery worker and avid gardener. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday at Lowe Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Dennis VanRiper, 66, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away April 5, 2021. He was born September 30, 1954 in Texarkana, Texas to the late Oscar VanRiper and Angelina Kring Smith. Dennis was a member of the Iron Horse Motorcycle Church and loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle wherever the road would take him. His favorite place to be was at his “little piece of heaven” in Mountain View, Arkansas. Dennis loved taking care of the home place, whether it was manicuring the yard or piddling in his shop with all his toys. Spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping were the highlight of his days. He was a member of the EE Hunting Club and loved all kinds of hunting. Dennis was a great cast iron dutch-oven cook and made many delicious meals his family enjoyed at home and on their camping trips. Dennis always thought about others and would help friends and family at a drop of the hat no matter what was going on with him. Preceding Dennis in death are his father, Oscar VanRiper; and mother, Angelina Kring Smith and her husband Benjamin P. Smith, Sr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of thirty-four years, Vickie VanRiper of Alexander, Arkansas; two children: Terry Glenn Yarberry and wife Alyssa of Ward, Arkansas and Dana Lynn Wessel and husband Keith of Cabot, Arkansas; grandchildren: Kayla Yarberry and John, Zach Yarberry, Shelby Younge and husband Tyler, Michelle Wessel, Hunter Wessel, Loren Yarberry, and Reagan Murrary-Ramey and husband Leslie; great-grandchildren: Dawson Younge, Cohen Younge, Wyatt Reeves, Kynslee Reeves, and Paizley Murrary; three brothers: Billy Smith and wife Sharon of Benton, Arkansas, Benjamin P. Smith, Jr. of Benton, Arkansas, and John VanRiper and wife Carla of Arizona; sister, Marilyn VanRiper-Moore and husband Terry; special fur babies who never left his side, Taco and Boo; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who love Dennis and will miss him dearly. Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM, Thursday, April 8, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Buddy Holderfield, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 9 at the funeral home. Burial following at Butler Cemetery with Zach Yarberry, Wes Smith, Keith Wessel, Kyle Moore, Jesse Moore, and Hunter Wessel assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Moore and Terry Moore. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Tony Liemke, Jr., 92, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away April 2, 2021. He was born January 4, 1929 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Tony Liemke, Sr. and Anne (Dimtner) Liemke. Tony proudly served in the United States Army and Air Force as a Gun Crewman and Radio Radar Tech. He served in the Korean War where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Tony enjoyed working on electronics. He was an avid Razorback fan and enjoyed playing jokes on his family. Upon discharge from the Air Force, Tony went to work at Lockheed and some of his work actually went to space. He was given an opportunity to own a printing company, so Tony left Lockheed and opened A-1 Printing company in Fullerton, California. Tony worked very hard and was successful in this venture for over fifty years. Preceding Tony in death are his parents; and two sisters: Catherine Welch and Jo Ann Austin. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Betty Rose (Welch) Liemke of Alexander, Arkansas; son, Tony Liemke, III and wife Rochelle of Alexander, Arkansas; daughter, Brenda Villasenor and husband Arthur of La Harbor Heights, California; two grandchildren: Shaun Villasenor and wife Megan and Nicholas Villasenor and wife Nila; two great-grandchildren, Mia Villasenor and Eva Villasenor; and many more family members and friends who love Tony and will miss him always. Graveside service will be held by family in California. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Joseph Douglas “Joe J.D.” Baeten, 49, of Bryant, Arkansas peacefully slept his way into the arms of God April 2, 2021. He was born September 9, 1971 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Dale and Joan (Douglas) Baeten. J.D. was a brave warrior who fiercely looked obstacles in the eye and overcame them by his sheer determination, faith in God and strength. He never gave up and would do things his way. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed playing jokes on family and friends, and made everyone laugh. When J.D. walked into a room, he commanded attention and people listened to what he had to say. Notre Dame was J.D.’s favorite football team. He also enjoyed listening to music, singing along to the radio, and playing his guitar to YouTube feeds. His family fondly remembers his alter ego as “J Dogg”, complete with his crazy grill and all! Preceding J.D. in death is his wife, Rani Baeten. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Brennah Baeten of Conway, Arkansas; parents, Dale and Joan Baeten of Benton, Arkansas; soulmate, Lisa Dickens of Mayflower, Arkansas; two sisters: Julie Powell and husband Jeff of Alexander, Arkansas and Janice Edmonson and husband Kyle of Alexander, Arkansas; nieces and nephews: Emma, Jack, Brooks, Natalie, Will, and Jada; “special” daughter, Katelin Dickens of Mayflower, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love J.D. and will miss him always. Memorials may be made to Midtowne Church Celebrate Recovery ministry at 4037 Boone Rd, Benton, AR 72015. Private memorial service held by family. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
William Hursley Minor, 77 of Hensley, passed away April 5, 2021. He was born to the late William and Hazel Minor in Stuttgart, Arkansas on June 15, 1943. He enjoyed doing puzzles, mission trips, playing guitar, and watching westerns and the Razorbacks. He was a member of East Union Baptist Church. Proudly served in the U.S. Army. William is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Catherine Minor; two brothers; Mickey and Waymon and sister, Emmalou. He is survived by his three children, Anthony Minor “Rachel”, Stephanie Alexander “Sonny” and Greg Minor “Deborah”; six grandchildren, Alyson, Donnie, Laura, Oneta, Drake and Cody; great grandchildren, Paisley, and Lilly; three sisters, Patricia, Carolyn and Mary Ann and a host of family and friends who all love him and will miss him dearly. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Waters of West Dixon Assisted Living. Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant with visitation one hour prior. To sign online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com. Donations can be made to East Union MBC Mexican Mission Fund in his honor.
Willie Bernice Field, 84 of Benton, died April 2, 2021. She was born April 16, 1936 in Oil trough, Arkansas, to the late Troy and Maudie Pruett. She enjoyed going to church, singing, and worshipping and loved her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Prentis Field Sr.; one brother, JC Pruett; one sister, Emma Mans. Willie is survived by loving children; son; Prentis Field Jr. “Karen” daughters; Toni Bradford “Tim”; Sheila Dublin; grandchildren, Shane, Joseph, Lacey, Amber, Cara, and Michael; great grandchildren; Chloe, Shelby, Tyler; sister Edna Ivey; two brothers, Henry Pruett and Troy Pruett Jr. and a host of family and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly. Celebration of life will be held at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home on Thursday, April 8,2021 at 1:00 P.M. Visitation one hour prior. To sign our online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.