Martha Jennings, 79 of Benton, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25th, 2022. Martha was a beloved wife, mother, friend, and bright light in this world, sharing her faith through gentle acts of kindness, love, and humility. Martha dedicated her life to serving those around her, be they friends, family, or strangers. She was the daughter of Henry Saugey and Helen Jameson Saugey. Martha is preceded in death by her daughter, Joanna, and is survived by her son, Nathan; daughter, Laura; husband, Frank; and three siblings: Sue Ann Saugey Martin, Terry Saugey, and David Saugey.
A visitation will be held in her honor at Ashby Funeral Home located at 108 W Narroway Street Benton, Arkansas 72015 on Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of her service at 12:00 p.m.
“We do not mourn as those without hope.”
Mary Lee Hart 99, of Hensley (East End) went to be with the Lord on July 24, 2022. She was born on June 21,1923 to the late Leslie Allen and Annie Mae (Temple) Hudson. Mary was married for 49 years to William F. Hart who preceded her in death in 1990.
She is survived by her daughters: Dianne Hart and Teresa (Larmon) VanWinkle; granddaughter, Lesli (Darren) Heard; great-granddaughter, Reagan Lucy; favorite nephew, Dexter (Rita) Bates; and many other nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly.
Mary was a charter member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Little Rock and had attended Sardis United Methodist Church for the past five years. She was a great mother and grandmother and will be missed by all.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Sardis United Methodist Church on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 10715 West Sardis Road, Bauxite, AR 72011.
A special thanks to caregiver, Wendy Smith and Baptist Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Rachel Lloyd, 80, of Leola, Arkansas passed away July 26, 2022. She was born January 6, 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Rachel was an extremely hard worker-right up until her passing, supervising crews at boat manufacturing plants, oil rigs, and construction jobs. She loved animals of all kinds, especially her dogs and horses. Rachel was raised and lived on a dairy farm and enjoyed living with her daughter and helping take care of the horses at the Galloping Winds Farm. She supported animal rescue organizations and helped in any way she could. Rachel was very active and had a beautiful kind and caring heart. She would give someone the shoes off her feet if they needed them. Rachel’s family was very important to her. She always wanted to be sure they were “provided for, taken care of, and that the doors were locked”. Rachel enjoyed beautiful flowers, especially gardenias and roses, and eating “cat-feesh”. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Many times, she would call them while they were travelling and talk from 8:00 PM until 4 AM to make sure they stayed awake during the long drives. Rachel did believe in keeping her family in line. She would watch the clock to make sure they were where they were supposed to be at the appropriate time. One of her famous sayings was “You better get your Better Homes and Gardens act together!”. Rachel had a sense of humor and would have you laughing in no time flat. She was also known to be a bit bold and wasn’t afraid to tell you how the “cow ate the cabbage!”. Her daughter is forever grateful for their last time together where they painted their toenails, ate a delicious dinner of rotisserie chicken, fruit cocktail, and chocolate cake, but most importantly, where they said “I LOVE YOU” to each other.
Preceding Rachel in death are her husband, HJ Lloyd; son, Mike Ward; father, Robert Lee Russell; sister, Virginia Becvar; and brother, RL Russell.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory four children: Bobby Ward of Westmoreland, Tennessee; Buddy Ward and wife Vickie of Westmoreland, Tennessee; Lisa Ward and husband Carl Newton of Leola, Arkansas; and Wesley Ward of Poyen, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren: Melissa Alvarado and husband Juan of Benton, Arkansas, Stephanie Maple of Benton, Arkansas; Bo Ward, Candice Harris, Chad Ward, Courtney Ward, Cindy Ward, LeAnn Gregory, Zack Ward, Matthew Ward, Rachel Ward, and Tye Ward; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren and two more on the way; and many more family members and friends who love Rachel and will miss her always.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 PM, Monday, August 1, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with memorial service following at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue of your choice or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online obituary: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Sandra “Sue” Hayden, 73, of Bryant, Arkansas passed from this world into her Savior’s loving arms on July 24, 2022. Sue was born to the late Edward and Muriel Phillips on November 25, 1948 and was a member of Sharon Baptist Church.
Sue loved God and liked making connections with the ladies in her church. She made a full-time job out of caring for her family. She was a loving and supportive wife, sharing 55 years of marriage with her loving husband, Johnny. She found great pride and happiness in her family and loved knowing that they were taken care of. She extended her high school cheerleading enthusiasm throughout her life, by supporting and encouraging her family while at school programs, piano recitals, soccer games and football games. She always made an effort to be there. Sue was also an amazing cook that would rival some of the professional chefs on the food network. Her cooking and pies would always make any ailment feel better. She could not let a song play without humming along and finding the harmony. She loved playing board games and would play anytime if given the chance. Sue had a smile that would light up a room, and people were always attracted to her because of her warm and caring spirit.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Johnny Hayden. They have two sons, Jon and Paul Hayden. Jon is married to Michelle and they have two daughters, Sarah and Hannah. Paul is married to Cathy and they have a son, Andrew.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 29, 2022, at Sharon Baptist Church, 402 Shenandoah Road, Benton, AR 72019. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M.
Ruby “Evelyn” Rea, 81, of Bryant, Arkansas; formally of Fruithurst, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, July 24th, 2022. She was born to the late, Charles and Lena (Ledbetter) McElwee, on February 27th, 1941, in Piedmont, Alabama. Evelyn loved being on the go. She enjoyed going to the casinos with her family and friends, sewing, crafting, and even fishing! She loved hanging out with her McDonald’s crew and always giving them her honest opinion.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her son, David Skinner.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Connie Norris and her husband, John, and Regina Kennedy; eight grandchildren, Aaron, McKenzie, Hannah, David, Natasha, Eric, Halley, and Ethan; eleven great grandchildren; along with a host of other family and friends who all love her and will miss her dearly.
A gathering of remembrance will be announced at a later date.
Services provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.