Linda Kay Ives, age 71, of Benton, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021. She was born November 22, 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Linda was a member of Hurricane Lake Baptist Church in Bryant and served as the State Coordinator for POMC for 10 years. She was family oriented and had a great personality. Linda was very intelligent and a good decorator. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rodney & Eudora Haydon and her son, Kevin Ives. Linda is survived by her husband of 54 years, Larry Ives; daughter, Alicia Ives; sister, Carol Edmondson; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. Visitation will be 11:00 A.M.to 12:00 P.M. Monday, June 7 at Hurricane Lake Baptist Church with funeral services beginning at 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Bro. Benny Grant will be officiating. Memorials may be made to the Little Rock Compassion Center @ 3618 W Roosevelt Rd in Little Rock, AR 72204. On-line guest book @ www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Karen Marie Smart (Gaylo), loving wife and mother of four children, passed away at the age of 58. Karen was born on September 25, 1962 in Wichita Falls, TX to Joseph and Cecilia Gaylo. On November 21, 1981, she married Perry Smart. They raised two daughters, Pamela and Elizabeth, and two sons, Joshua and Jeremy. Karen worked at Burger King for 25 years. She greeted every costumer with a smile and enjoyed visiting with everyone. She never met a stranger. Karen had a passion for football. She cheered for her sons as they played for the Glen Rose Beavers and enjoyed watching her Razorbacks. She liked spending time outdoors whether it was at the lake camping and swimming, walking her dog around the block, or going for a ride on the motorcycle with her husband. She also enjoyed winning games of Yahtzee and Uno against her children. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cecilia. She is survived by her husband Perry Smart; her four children: Pamela, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Jeremy; her siblings: Paul Gaylo, Mark Gaylo (Kelli), Louise Tripp (Scott), Mary Howell (Stacy); three grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who love Karen and will miss her always. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 15, followed by memorial service officiated by her brother, Paul Gaylo, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. To send flowers to Karen’s family, please visit our floral store.
Charles Norman Sisk, 71, of Benton, Arkansas passed away June 10, 2021. He was born September 1, 1949 in Wynne, Arkansas to Charlie Erskin and Vergie (Flynn) Sisk. Charles worked at Brown Packing Company for over twenty-two years. He had an opinion on everything and family say it was always “his way, or no way”. Charles loved his grandchildren and spending time with them. He enjoyed watching old westerns on the television while sitting in his favorite recliner. Charles also enjoyed good food and watching birds. He was a hard worker and always provided for his family. Preceding Charles in death are his parents, Charlie and Virgie (Flynn) Sisk; brother, Winston Sisk; and two sisters: Sybil Carter and S. Joan Burnett. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons: Chris Sisk and wife Jessica and Larry Johnson and wife Tonya; grandchildren: Johnathan Sisk, Aryana Sisk, Kayla Johnson, and Hunter Johnson; great-grandchildren: Colt Sisk and Jaxon Johnson; special nieces and nephews: Chris, Deobrah, Gail, and Lawrence; and many family members and friends who love Charles and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 15 and funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 16 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Burial with military honors will follow at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. To send flowers to Charles’ family, please visit our floral store.
Clara Hudson, 82, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away June 8, 2021 at her home. She was born September 23, 1938 in Wasco, California to the late James Thomas and Ima Adams. Clara retired from WLS Sawmill, she then enjoyed working in her yard full-time and keeping several generations of grandchildren. She was an active member of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church where she was involved in the choir and Vacation Bible School. Preceding Clara in death are her husband, Thomas Winford Hudson; parents J.T. and Ima Adams; sisters: Wanda Jo Treat and Sue Turner; and her son, Steven Hudson. Clara leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters: Janey Hudson and Cheryl Burks and husband Randy of Bauxite, Arkansas; two sisters: Joyce Noski and Peggy Stafford, both of Oklahoma; two granddaughters: Angela Moore and Candi Warner and husband Mike both of Benton, Arkansas; two grandsons: Steven “Bo” Hudson and wife Sharon of Oklahoma and Andrew Hudson and wife Kirstie of Bauxite, Arkansas; eight great-grandchildren: Ashton Burks, Holli Tillery, Morgan Williams, Macy Malott, Langston Moore, Brady Arthur, Jace Wright, Hayes Hudson; Tiffany Taylor and Hunter Taylor; five great-great grandchildren: Xzander, Aydan, Asher, Avery, and Everly Jane; along with many family members and friends who loved Clara Jane and will miss her always. Visitation will be held at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church in Bauxite, Arkansas on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM, with memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church or Kindred Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. To send flowers to Clara’s family, please visit our floral store.
Mary Evelyn Cady, 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away June 8, 2021. She was born December 15, 1939 in Waveland, Arkansas to the late Alvery Newton and Beva Alice (Myers) Ensey. Mary loved the Lord and was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church for many years. She enjoyed bowling, softball, fishing, and going camping. Her family was most important in her life. Mary made beautiful crochet pieces. She loved Boston Terriers, especially her own fur baby “Fancy”. Preceding Mary in death are her husband John W. Cady; daughter, Sherry “Lyn” Dozier; infant son; and parents, Alvery and Beva Ensey. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, Terry Cady of Benton, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Sunny Dozier, Sara Johnson and husband Terry, Torrie Jones and husband David, and Zach Cady; five great-grandchildren: Fallon Martin, Aurora Allen, Aydin Jones, Destiny Johnson, and Vincent Johnson; sister, Gail Dimaio of Malvern, Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews, family members, and friends who love Mary and will miss her always. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 11 at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery, 1010 Military Road, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. To send flowers to Mary’s family, please visit our floral store.
Vera Thornberry Thompson, 86, of Malvern, AR ascended to Heaven to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on June 6, 2021. She was born October 22, 1934 to the late Joe Thornberry and Ida Cox Thornberry. Vera loved the Lord and was a member of Poyen Assembly of God where she and her sisters enjoyed singing together. She loved to fish, hunt, which she learned from her brother, J.T. Camping trips were special times where she enjoyed listening to the hunting dogs run while sitting around the campfire sharing stories with her family. Vera taught herself how to cook at nine years of age. She is still her family’s favorite chef. Vera was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister who will forever be loved and missed by her family and friends. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ida (Cox) Thornberry; brothers: Virgil, JT, Cleo, Jessie and Emergene Thornberry; and sisters: Racheal Weems and Omagene Thornberry. Leaving behind to miss her until we meet again in heaven are her husband of 70 years, James Thompson; sons: James Edward Thompson and wife Dana, and Frankie Thompson; daughter: Catherine Bryant and husband Russell; grandchildren: Jeriamy Vann and wife Leslie, Kenny Thompson, Carrie Korp and husband Daniel, Christopher White and wife Amber, Misty, Frankie, and Andrew Thompson; great-grandchildren: Ally and Ashen Vann, Madison and Lorelei Korp, and Cameron White; brothers: Clyde Thornberry and wife Nancy and Bobby Joe Thornberry and wife Debbie; sisters: Joane Johnson and Barbara Mitchell; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service officiated by Pastor Jason Keisler and Pastor Keith Pennington will be Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Smith- Rosemont Cemetery. Special thanks to Arkansas Hospice for the loving and special care they provided to our mother and the family. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. To send flowers to Vera’s family, please visit our floral store.
Eloyse Sutton, 93 of Bauxite, passed away on June 10, 2021. She was born on September 23, 1927 in Sardis, Ark. to the late Floyd and Lillian Perkins Darby. Eloyse was a member of the New Friendship Baptist Church. She loved to quilt and being outdoors working in her flower beds. Eloyse was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Sutton, Sr., grandchildren, Catherine Denise Hensley, Charles Michael Sutton and Hec Grant, one brother, two sisters and one half sister. She is survived by her sons, Ralph Sutton, Jr. (Gayle) of Bauxite, Michael Floyd Sutton ( Marilyn) of Livingston, Texas, daughters, Cathy Blocker of Bauxite and Debbie Grant of Melbourne, Ark.; nine grandchildren, twenty six great grandchildren and eighteen great great grandchildren. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15th at New Friendship Cemetery with Bro. Bradley McCool officiating. Visitation will be Monday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ashbys. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Melva June Vinyard, age 89, of Benton passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021. She was born April 3, 1932 in Benton to the late Arlie Wilton Harris and Eula Cornelia Perry Harris. Melva was a member of Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church, Rubicon Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Dogwood Club. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Floyd D. Vinyard, sister, Pauline Tittle, and brothers, Wilton, Thurman, and Kenneth Harris. Survivors, sons and daughters-in-law, Eric R. Vinyard (Kathy), Benton; Pamela E. Green (Keylon), Benton; grandchildren, Jeremy (Kristy) Green, Jamie Jensen, Erin (Kai) Schlagel, Matthew (Lauren) Vinyard, and Mark Vinyard, great-grandchildren, Madison Green, Mason Green, Keylee Wilt, Abby Jensen, Preslee Jensen, Luke Landan, Lily and Lynleigh Schlagel, Hudson and Gentry Vinyard, Paige, Payton, Wyatt Vinyard, and sister–in-law, Melba Harris. The family gives special thanks to Jamie Jensen, Renee Bynum, Barbara Johnson, and Meagen Medley for their care during this time. Memorials may be made to the Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Ashby’s. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Kentucky Cemetery. Ministers will be Bro, Donny Haynes and Bro. Derwin Harris.
Bernice “Bernie” Hulon Fite, age 85, of Bryant, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born January 5, 1936 in Bauxite, Arkansas. Bernie retired from the U. S. Air Force where he served from 1954 to 1977 and later operated his own Farmers Insurance Company. He attended Otter Creek Assembly of God. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice Clifton Fite & Lois O. Pitts Fite; wife, Carol Fite; daughter, Linda Fite Cooley; sister, Lela Jean Fite Young and brother-in-law, Bill Barbee. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Fite; two grandchildren, Caitlyn Fite and Erik Whittaker; three nephews, Shawn Young (Brandee), Bill Barbee Jr. (Cindy) and John Barbee; his good friends, Buddy & Lavonne Newton and many others he leaves behind. Bernie also leaves behind the Oliver family whom he continued to love. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 14 at Otter Creek Assembly of God with burial to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bauxite. Pastor John Tracy and Pastor Bob Minnick will be officiating. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Jodi Lynn Spears, 49, of Benton, passed away on June 10, 2021 at Saline Memorial Hospital of a heart attack. She was born on January 21, 1972 in Little Rock. Jodi was preceded in death by her grandparents, Faber and Bennie Thomas and Zora Spears, aunt and uncle, Vickie Land and Dickie Thomas. Jodi had many jobs but her favorite was as a Reservation Clerk for Best Western Inn. She loved taking care of people and the truckers who stayed there were her favorite guests. Jodi was survived by her parents, Ralph and Kay Spears, her fiancée, Shaun Sheridan, brother, Clay Spears (Shannon) and many other family members and friends. Memorials in Jodi’s name may be made to the Heart Association, 909 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. A private service will be held at a later date. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com