Anita Louise Edmonson Taylor, 81, of Benton, passed away April 14, 2022. She was born on June 9, 1940 in Bauxite, Arkansas to the late DF and Ora Imogene Edmonson. Anita attended both Bauxite and Benton Public Schools. She graduated in 1958 from Benton Public School. After High School, she worked at Moses Melody Shop in Little Rock where she met her husband. Anita worked many years at Walton’s Office Supplies in downtown Benton as well as being a homemaker, wife, and mother. She also worked as a preschool teacher at Bryant First Southern Baptist Church. Anita was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church for 50 years. She served at church by teaching Mission Friends, helping with the youth choir, and being a member of the Adult Choir for many years. Anita enjoyed reading novels, going to movies, cooking, and most of all helping with her two grandchildren. She loved her family unconditionally. Anita always carried a smile and never complained. She was a caregiver to her husband for several years while he was battling Alzheimers.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, David P. Edmonson; nephew, Darren Edmonson; and her husband of 48 years, Mickey Taylor.
Anita is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Douglas (Eric); grandson, Jonathan Douglas; granddaughter, Taylor McMillan (Jack); great-grandson, Ethan McMillan; great-granddaughters, Lorraine and McKenna McMillan; sister, Cherry Wolf (Larry); brother, Jim Edmonson (Judy); sister-in-law, Brenda Edmonson; and several nieces & nephews.
Visitation will be 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 18 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 18 at Oakland Cemetery in Warren. Rev. Ken Bernard will be officiating.
Family Comments: Special thanks to her caregivers, Favor Care, Pleasant Hills Private Care, and Alcoa Pines.
Memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice or Calvary Southern Baptist Church.
Dianne Marie Linebarger, 60, of Benton, Arkansas passed away April 13, 2022. She was born April 16, 1961 in Little Rock to Perry and Rosalind (Murrell) Butler. Dianne worked in medical billing for many years.
Dianne leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Caitlin Taylor; and family members and friends who love Dianne and will miss her always.
Memorials may be made to a cancer society of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Mildred Lois Pitts, 88, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 15, 2022. She was born June 4, 1933 in the Sharon Community of Saline County, Arkansas to the late Charley and Minnie Ann (Bunch) Mangum.
Mildred worked many years as a nurse’s aide at Saline Memorial Hospital and Baptist Hospital. She was a member of East Side Baptist Church. Mildred was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan.
Left behind to cherish Mildred’s memory is her daughter Barbara Noll and husband Kenny of Little Rock; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and many family members and friends who love Mildred and will miss her always.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, April 18, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 19 at Lee Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Side Baptist Church, 311 5th Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Laverne Heavner, 84, of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 15, 2022. She was born June 2, 1937 in Monticello, Arkansas to the late John and Ruth (Gaddy) Funderburg.
Laverne loved the Lord and was a member of East Union Baptist Church. She was an amazing homemaker who enjoyed cooking for a crowd. She catered to all her family’s needs and was a caregiver to everyone. Laverne enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She canned the harvest from her garden to enjoy during the winter months. Laverne was also a skilled seamstress and quilter. Favorite games with family included Rook, card games and dominoes. Laverne was quite the prankster. She would play jokes on her family as she loved to laugh and see others laugh.
Preceding Laverne in death are her husband, Bill Heavner; parents, John and Ruth Funderburg; and siblings: Will Ed Funderburg, Elvin Funderburg, Allean Morgan, Johnny Mack Funderburg, Edmond Funderburg, and Jodie Winstead.
Laverne leaves behind her children: Pamela Rusch and husband Fred of Little Rock, Charles Smith and wife Tammie of Little Rock, Eric Smith and wife Leslie of Little Rock, William “Billy” Heavner, III and wife Ellen of Bryant, Arkansas, and Tina Baldridge and husband John of Hensley, Arkansas; “bonus” son, Wayne Tazelaar and wife Deborah of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Jennifer Thomas, Ryan Thomas and wife Laura, Erick Rusch and wife Michelle, Amanda Woodley and husband Maurio, William Smith and wife Emily, Brittney Smith, Ashlyn Heavner, Logan Heavner, Alexis Baldridge, and Kaitlin Baldridge; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane Tiner of Little Rock; the family rock, John Philpot of Little Rock; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who love Laverne and will miss her always.
Visitation will be held 12:30-1:30 PM, Wednesday, April 20, with funeral service, officiated by Bro. Ron Sanders, following at 1:30 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Assisting as pallbearers are Gary Funderburg, Mark Winstead, Steve Winstead, Jeff Dye, Charles Thomas, and Dyllan Tazelaar. Honorary pallbearers are John Philpot and Cody Tazelaar.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Ronald Dean Raper, 53 of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on April 12, 2022.
He leaves a vast loss in the hearts of his family and friends who were touched by his tireless dedication to others.
Ron was born on April 9, 1969, to Ronald Raper and Peggy Raper James in El Paso, TX. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, his mother Peggy, his daughter Victoria, his son Mason, and seven grandchildren, as well as 2 brothers, a sister, and other extended family.
He is, as his wife likes to say, ”pathologically nice”. Ron was one of the kindest, most generous and loving men, and everyone who ever met him was instantly drawn to his genuine and gregarious personality. Ron is a devoted man who loves God and his family deeply. His one constant wish is to help people learn more about God’s promises for the future.
Ron was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and had surgery and chemo to combat it. The surgery resulted in chronic nerve pain until October of 2021 when he received the news that his cancer had returned. Ron continued to go to work, dedicated to caring for his family. But on April 12, his most generous heart became tired, and he passed away with his loved ones near.
He was beloved by everyone who ever met him, A fantastic father and grandfather, devoted son, a wonderful husband and a best friend to all walks of life. No matter the circumstance, you’d always leave Ron’s presence feeling better about yourself.
Ron is now sleeping and alive in God’s memory, awaiting the day that Christ will awaken him. (John 5:28, 29)
There will be a virtual memorial service held via ZOOM conferencing on Saturday, April 23 at 2 pm. All are welcome to attend. To join the Memorial Service on Zoom, please call 903-243-6858 and listen to the message for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation. Donations can be sent to
Raper Family
PO BOX 941
Benton AR 72018
Kay Lynnette (Bass) Farmer, 76, of Alexander, went to her heavenly home on April 12, 2022. She was born June 13, 1945 in Marvell, AR to Herbert and Betty (Lynch) Bass. Kay loved her family dearly and enjoyed cooking and gardening.
Kay was a faithful person who loved the Lord. She was a long-time member of the Shepherd’s Chapel Church. There was always a place in her heart for the disadvantaged and wayward soul. She exhibited a kindness and love that extended far beyond family.
Survivors include her beloved husband of 57 years, Jerry O. Farmer, daughter Jill Tate (Roger) of Alexander, son Jonathan Farmer of North Little Rock; two granddaughters, Melanie Wilder (Matthew) and Marissa Tate; three great grandchildren, Gage, Gavin and Ella Wilder; as well as nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of cousins, all who loved her immensely.
She is preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Homer Richard Bass.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Kay on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by the Memorial Service at 2:00 pm.
Edward Dwain Davidson, 85, of Mt. Ida, Arkansas and formerly of Alexander, passed from this life peacefully at his home on April 15, 2022.
He was born May 4, 1936 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Andrew J. Davidson and Connie (Russaw) Davidson. He was preceded in death by his parents along with his brothers Archie Davidson, William Clifford Davidson, David Lee Davidson, sisters Catherine Williams and Elsie Crabb. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Norma Jean Cohrt Davidson, Nettie Mae Simms of Florida and Lovinue Laird of Florida, son Jerry L. (Dianna) Davidson of Benton, Arkansas. Son Terry W. (Deborah) Davidson of Mabelvale, Arkansas. Two grandchildren, Aaron (Kate) Davidson, and Rachel Stapleton as well as three great grandchildren, Owen, Greer, and Emma Kate.
Dwain was a fan of all things that involved his grandkids. He was a hardworking man who retired from Borden’s Dairy in 1986. He was a patient, loving grandfather who loved to hunt and fish. Gardening was a passion that he passed on to other generations with his famous tomatoes. He spent every spring break with his grandchildren fishing until limits were caught. He will be terribly missed by all involved in his life.
A Visitation will be Monday, April 18, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton.
Kay (Coffey) Freeman, 83, of Dardanelle, Arkansas was born Saturday, November 26, 1938, in Monticello, Kentucky and died Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Russellville, Arkansas. Kay was the oldest child of four, born to Earl and Jocie (Bryant) Coffey. She married Horace (Sonny) Freeman on July 15, 1960. They had almost 59 good years together.
Kay is survived by her two sons, Ross Alan and wife, Sherri of Dardanelle, Arkansas and Mark Eric and wife, Jennifer of Perryville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Daniel and wife, Fannie, Melissa and husband, John Nichols, Kelsie and Kerrie; four great grandchildren, Olivia, Fiona, Evelyn, and James; two sisters, Charlotte Smythe and Patricia Kirkpatrick; three sisters-in-law, Ardyce Coffey, Patricia Freeman, Cathy Freeman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends who all love her and will miss her dearly.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Horace (Sonny); her parents, Earl and Jocie; and her only brother, Lewis.
Kay will be fondly remembered for her kind and gentle nature, the love she had for her family, and the many wonderful meals that she cooked.
Kay was a dietary manager for over 30 years, and a president of the Dietary Managers’ Association.
Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. at Pinecrest Memorial Park with the visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
James Byron McLaren, 83, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022. He was born to the late, Adam and Lilly Mae McLaren, on Wednesday, June 22, 1938, in Leesville, Louisiana. James proudly served four years in the Navy, 30+ years in the printing business, and was an Elder at New Bethel Church of Christ. He was a lifetime member of the Whitetail Hunting Club. He is previously from Leesville, Louisiana, but moved and lived in Bryant, Arkansas since 1978. In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish, and work on woodworking projects in his shop. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and following his kids all over the country to watch them play ball. He was married to his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life for 63 years. It was his greatest achievement.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mae McLaren; two brothers, Kenneth and Roger McLaren; and one sister, Dorothy Evans.
He is survived by his wife, Ruthy Lee Jordan McLaren; daughter, Teresa McLaren White (John); son, Russell McLaren; five grandchildren, Matthew White (Becca), Amanda Dove (David), Breanna Hendrix (Crosby), Baylie McLaren (Michael), and Amarie Morgan; five great grandchildren, Hudson White, Landry White, Avery Dove, Henley Dove, and Eleanor White; along with other family and friends who all love him and will miss him dearly.
Celebration of life will held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. with the visitation one hour prior at New Bethel Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Community Center.
Any flowers must be sent to the church directly and not the funeral home.