Marilyn (Ritter) Gillespie, 71, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away September 24, 2022, in Little Rock. She was born August 11, 1951, in Evansville, Indiana to the late William Henry and Delores Mae (Peyton) Ritter.
Marilyn graduated from Harrison High School in Evansville, Indiana. She received a BS in Education from Indiana University. Marilyn married the love of her life on July 6, 1974, in Evansville, Indiana and recently celebrated 48 years together. Marilyn taught elementary education in schools in Alabama, preschool in Pittsburgh, PA, and 25 ½ years at Angie Grant Elementary, teaching 2nd and 3rd grades. She was selected the 2011 Teacher of the Year for the Benton School District. Her passion for teaching and love for students was exemplified in her classroom year after year. Fellow teachers said, “She was always bringing out the best in her students with her positive comments and high expectations.” Marilyn agreed that “Success was the only option in her classroom.” Her favorite part of teaching was watching the moment when a student clearly understood something for the first time. She was a lifetime member of Job’s Daughters. Marilyn was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially cooking for others.
Preceding Marilyn in death are her parents, William and Delores Ritter; and her in-laws, Fred and Irene Gillespie.
Marilyn leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Barry Monroe Gillespie; two sons: Patrick and Ryan Gillespie; sister, Roz Bedell and husband Steve; and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, September 29, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Kim Hammer, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 30 at the funeral home with burial immediately following at Rosemont Cemetery. Assisting as pallbearers are: Chris Lobus, Tyler Flanigan, Levere Ruff, Max Harris, Dennis Sprawling, and Chris Grandon.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider a donation in Marilyn’s name to her favorite charity, Best Friends Animal Society at www.bestfriends.org.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Wesley Eugene Thurber, “Chief”, was born February 15, 1950, and left on the open road to his final destination on September 26, 2022.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Melva Thurber; daughter, Amanda (Steven) French; daughter-in-law, Amber Daniels; mother, Lacel Thurber; brother, Chapman (Karla) Thurber; five sisters: Wanda (Al) English, Debbie Bryant, Vicky Lockert, Diane Kelton, and Donna Thurber; along with twelve grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, family members and cherished friends who will miss Wesley dearly.
Wesley was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Thurber and three sons: Chris Thurber, Phillip Allen, and Jimmy Daniels.
Wesley was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor. He spent most of his life as a truck driver which he thoroughly loved. In his free time, he loved to spend time with family and with his buddies. He especially loved Razorback football and Nascar, and as always, routing for #11. Wesley had an unforgettable knack for music and loved singing silly songs to his grandchildren. He was loved by many and will truly be missed by all. He lived his life by his favorite song, “I Did It My Way”.
Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Thursday, September 29, with funeral service following at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Kanis Road in Little Rock. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Betty Joan Schuh, 89, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2022. She was born March 13, 1933, in Leslie, Minnesota to the late Lee and Hattie Irene (Hanson) Frederick.
Betty was a member of Williams Community Church in Minnesota. She was not afraid of hard work and worked in mink pelting and window manufacturing. Betty loved her family with all her heart. She enjoyed company coming to her home for visits and always had coffee and goodies prepared, including coffee cakes and delicious cookies. Betty could often be found on her riding lawn mower keeping her large yard manicured. She and her husband, Clarence, often spent time traveling across the United States in their transformed school bus motorhome, built and designed by Clarence. Some of their favorite spots were Baja California and Alaska. Betty also enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits of her labors.
Preceding Betty in death are her husband, Clarence Schuh; two children: Wayne Schuh and Cinde Ketola; parents, Lee and Hattie Frederick; four sisters: Connie, Shirley, Delores, and Viola “Echo”; and son-in-law, J. Steve Nalley.
Betty leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Fern Nalley; grandchildren: Brenda Green and husband David, David Nalley and wife Nicole, and Jean-Paul Beyak and wife Shawna; great-grandchildren: Jaden Chorney, Shelby Talia, Austin Green, and Lauren Green; several great-great grandchildren; son-in-law, Art Ketola; sisters: Sharron Farmer and husband Joe and Carol Olson and husband Larry; and many more family members and friends in Minnesota who love Betty and will miss her always.
Services at Abundant Life Center, Bryant will be available as soon as possible. Family will hold Celebration of Life service and inurnment at Graceton Cemetery in Minnesota.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Paul David Shelby of Bryant, AR, died Tuesday, September 27, 2022. He was born in North Little Rock on February 17, 1953, to James and Pauline Shelby, who preceded him in death.
Paul graduated from Little Rock Central High School and served in the U.S. Air Force.
Paul is predeceased by his sister Jeanette Meyers.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Seth Shelby, of Bryant; daughter, Alison and son-in-law Dustin Suitor of Alexander; Mindy Shelby of Salem; grandchildren: Elem, Ever and Eden Shelby and Cecilia and Nate Suitor; brother, Jim Shelby (Brenda) of Bryant; sisters: Jean McPherson of Conway, Joan Hobson (David) of Little Rock, Elaine Graves (Rick) of Springdale; and several nieces and nephews.
Services held Monday, October 3rd, at 11:00am, at First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Flowers may be sent to the church or Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Everyone is welcomed.
Services by Smith-Benton Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.