Steven Wayne Wootton (Stevie), age 65, of Benton, went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2023. Stevie was born to Rev Patrick & Dorothy Wootton in Paris Arkansas on June 12, 1957. His parents both preceded him in death.
Stevie is survived by his sister Sharon (Curtis) McCormack, his two nieces “Summer-Summertime” (Steven) Hampton & “Sunni-LittleBit” (Josh) Ackley. His favorite two nephews Maxmax (Maddox Hampton) & Buddy Buddy (Tydus Ackley). Also his 9 precious brothers from his home at Pathfinders “Jack, Tommy, Josh, Darrin, David, Russell, Cameron, Ray Marcus.”
In life Stevie has overcame many things from surviving polio in infancy that affected his day to day living!
Being raised in a minister’s home Stevie came to know the Lord at an early age! Stevie is one you always wanted to pray for you for we truly believe he had a direct line to Heaven! Stevie loves his life at Pathfinders in Bryant having nine new brothers, amazing staff & working at the Benton Service Center totally completed his life! Stevie has also received the most excellent care from “Southern Trace Care”. Everyone has truly been Amazing with love & his care! There are no words to express this love from these two facilities! Stevie was a faithful member of 1st Assembly of God in Benton, & he would quickly tell you “I am an Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Preacher Boy!” So as our heart is heavy, “We must remember, Stevie Wayne is more alive than he has ever been & his body is completely healed!” Stevie’s faith truly reflected his love for our Lord! Stevie’s life is one well lived!
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Rosemont Cemetery.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Martha Jane “Janie” Welch, age 73, of the Salem Community, passed away Friday, March 24, 2023. She was born October 3, 1949 in Benton, Arkansas. Janie retired with 21 years from the Department of Education. She has been a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church for 20 years where she sang in the choir and taught AWANA. Janie enjoyed camping and being with family.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Andrew & Ella Roberts and F. L. & Elsie Schrimshire; and her father, Edgar Dwain Elder.
Janie is survived by her husband of 51 years, James “Jim” Welch; two daughters, Jennifer Thornburgh (Guy) and Amy Welch; her mother, Dorothy Elder; three sisters, Elizabeth Carter (Jimmy), Brenda Banks (Tommy), and Susan Jacoby; nine nieces & nephews, Keilani Chandler (John), Blake Welch, Chrissy Keith, Deric (JP) Davenport, Drew Farley, Dustyn Crossland, Savanna Crossland, Christina Copeland, and Jennifer Holthoff (Zep); and six great nieces & nephews, Ella Blair Keith, Conner Keith, Beth Chandler, Katie Chandler, Holly Chandler, and Deacon Davenport.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at Ashby Funeral Home
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Dr. Terry Parrish will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church @ 19200 I-30 in Benton, Ar 72019 or call 501-315-4569.
Richard Alan King, 72, of Benton, AR passed March 21, 2023. Richard was born in Little Rock, AR., February 8, 1951 to Edward and Leita (Welch)King.
Richard loved a challenge and maybe that’s why he lived his life like he did, it was always a challenge to see who would win. Whether it was pool, golf, poker or monopoly, he was always happiest when he was competing. He lived large and loved with all his heart those he let close.
Rick grew up in Benton and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Sandra Hollinger, who he always called “Blondie”. He was a finish carpenter and could drive a nail with the best of them.
As age caught up with him he was still happy to share his opinions on everything from how to erect a curved staircase to how the country should be run. It was never boring being around Rick.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by “Blondie”, daughters, Kelli King and Kayla King Harrington, and son Shane Alan Walter.
He leaves to celebrate his life, Daughter Riki Alayna Bagley, stepson Byron Shane Robb and son Dennis King, sisters Diane Keene and Mickie King, brothers Ronald King and Guy King and a whole bunch of grandkids, cousin, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25th at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Jeffery Alan Echols, 70, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away March 22, 2023. He was born October 8, 1952 in Bremerton, Washington to the late James and Lola (Jackson) Echols.
Jeffery proudly served in the United Stated Army. Upon his discharge, he began working as a chief engineer. His work ethic and dedication to his family was admirable. He knew how to fix just about anything. His son always knew who to call when he needed help as his father was aways willing to help and never complained. Jeffery and his son, Ethan, shared many hobbies together including their love for Jeeps. Gardening, spending time outdoors, traveling, taking cruises, and riding his motorcycle were other things Jeffery enjoyed doing. Jeffery was adventurous and loved to live life to the fullest.
Preceding Jeffery in death are his daughter, Vickie Lynn Echols; parents, James and Lola Echols; and brother, Rick Echols.
Jeffery leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Ethan Echols of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Anna Grace; brother, Dickie Echols and wife Cindy of Mabelvale, Arkansas; fiancé, Cathy Skeel of Cabot, Arkansas; and a host of family and friends who love Jeffery and will miss him always.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, March 30, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Heather Scroggins, 49, of Benton, Arkansas passed away March 23, 2023. She was born November 14, 1973 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Terry Ray and Barbara (Garner) Bryant.
Heather worked her dream job as a nurse for over six years. She loved her grandchildren and was an amazing GiGi. Heather was very outgoing and was never afraid of anything. Heather always had corny jokes and puns and a unique laugh, which made everyone around her break out into laughter. Heather had a gift of seeing the best in everyone and never judged anyone, at home or in the workplace.
Preceding Heather in death is her father, Terry Ray.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving partner of 34 years, Shawn Scroggins; her daughter, Ali (Christian); son, Cody (Rachel); grandchildren: Pasiley, Nora; brother, Harley; sister, Terra Doering (Raymond); special aunt, Linda; and a host of family and friends who love Heather and will miss her always.
Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Wednesday, March 29, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Bonnie Sue Johnson of Benton passed away at her residence on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Bonnie, daughter of the late Vivian Henry Johnson was born March 8, 1957, in Little Rock, AR. She will be greatly missed by her sons; James Gross and Randy Abels, and her daughters; Cheryl Ann Adams, Crystal Newman, and Shelly Boyette. Bonnie also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren; Laken Elizabeth Adams, Lauren Nicole Hebling, Kierslynn Shiann Lunsford, Junior Gross, Layla Waddle, Skylar Jordan Gross ”Bonnie, Jr”, and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings; Kenneth Johnson, Beverly Johnson, Janet Wilson, Charlotte Daniels and Norman Ostrom.
Helping others was very important to Bonnie. She was the founder and manager of Helping Hands in Benton. Participating with food drives and Wednesday Night Bike Rides gave her the opportunity to share with and enjoy her church friends. For leisure activities, Bonnie liked to fish and cook.
Visitation for Bonnie is scheduled for Monday, March 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd., Benton. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 28, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5, Alexander, AR.
Diana Sue Brown was born on August 2, 1945, to John Henry and Nita Sawyer Brown in Little Rock, Arkansas. She passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation at the age of 77. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Randy Brown.
Diana graduated from Sheridan High School then entered Cosmetology school. For many years, she worked as a beautician.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters: Mandy (Jim) Gardner of Benton and Shelly Sawyer of Benton. Her grandchildren who affectionately knew her as ”Meme”: Bo Sawyer, Trae and Tori Gardner, and Coco Sawyer all of Benton. Three sisters: Annette (Kenny) Sites of Sheridan, Mona Williams of North Little Rock, and Tami Ringo of Sheridan.
The family invites those who knew and loved Diana to a visitation at Sheridan Church of Christ on Wednesday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., also at Sheridan Church of Christ.
The family would like to offer gratitude to Gayle Pate of Arkansas Hospice for her compassionate care for Diana during her final months and to all the caring staff at Sheridan Health and Rehab for their extraordinary service to Diana.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Diana’s memory to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Memorials can also be given online at arkansashospice.org/foundation/donate.
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