Joe A. (Hopper) Johnson, 85, entered his heavenly home on Oct. 30, 2022. He was born July 1, 1937 in Paron. He was the son of Ezra and Ethel Johnson and was born and raised in Paron, AR.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Gladys and daughters Cindy Ball (David) and Karen Jones (Mark), grandchildren Matt Jones (Stefan), Ashley Heggins (Dillon) and Janelle Ball. Great- grandchildren Halle Kate, Addelyn and Reed Jones and Brodie, Braxton and Remi Heggins. He was preceded in death by grandson Allen Ball and great granddaughter Presley Faith.
He is survived by his brother, Larry Johnson (Kay) and sister Ella Mae Cantrell. Preceding him in death were brothers, Anthony, Clarence, Junior and Rodney Johnson and sister Alice Lea Sullivan.
Joe served in the US Army and traveled throughout the south playing baseball for the army. He was the owner of Johnson Wood Products, specializing in custom cedar lumber and wood pallets. He retired from Alcoa as a supervisor in the Packing and Shipping Department. Joe considered it an honor to have served on the Paron School Board for several years. He was a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church.
He enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting and fishing with family and many lifelong friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 3rd from 6-8 pm at Ashby Funeral Home, Benton, AR.
Funeral services will be the following morning, Nov. 4th at 10:00 am, Ashby Funeral Home. Burial will be at Gravel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Gravel Hill Cemetery fund.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Michael Ray “Mike” Andrews, age 69, of Benton, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022. He was born January 17, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mike retired as an aircraft inspector for Dassault Falcon Jet and was of the Baptist faith.
He is preceded in death by his father, Allen R. Andrews; brother, Ronald Andrews; and grandmother, Alta Mae Goshorn.
Mike is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lily Andrews; son, Michael Zachary “Zack” Andrews (Sarah) of Little Rock; two daughters, Michelle Mott (C. J.) of Benton and Ashley Garland (Kurt) of Little Rock; mother, Georgia Andrews; brother, Allen R. Andrews (Mary) of Mt. View; sister, Georgette Brown (Delton) of Little Rock; and eight grandchildren, Nathan Davenport, Katherine Goins, Elizabeth Andrews, Ian Mott, Lexie Mott, Landan Andrews, Georgia Garland, and Larry Jack Garland.
Pallbearers will be Kurt Garland, C. J. Mott, Trevor Herndon, Dee Brown, Ian Mott, Ryan Smalley, Landan Andrews, and Nathan Davenport.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 3 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Avilla. There will be an open visitation. Bro. Kim Hammer and Ashley Garland will be officiating.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Catherine Louise Smith, age 71, of Benton, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022. She was born January 26, 1951 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the late Olan A. and Mary Harper.
She is survived by her son, William Ira Smith and his wife Susan; one granddaughter, Christina Smith; extended family; and numerous loved ones.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 7 at Ashby Funeral Home with a 3:00 p.m. graveside service at Bethlehem Cemetery in Gurdon.
Martha Ann Grupa age 80, of Bryant passed away Monday, October 31, 2022. She was born July 28, 1942 in Bremond, Texas. Martha was a retired Pharmacy Assistant and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ike Bielamowicz and Edna Tomczyszyn Bielamowicz, her husband Daniel Grupa Sr., brother, Norbert Bielamowicz.
Survivors. Son, Daniel Grupa Jr., daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Scott) Brooks, brother, Albin Bielamowicz, grandchildren, Taylor Brooks (Jonathan Kooiman), Chase Brooks, (Lauren Hughes), great-grandchild, Sloane Kooiman.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Monday, November 7, 2022 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Stefani Michelle Hinds, born October 1, 1966, left this present world on October 29, 2022.
She is in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus. The Bible tells us that those who die in the Lord are Blessed.(Revelation 14:13)
Though we are in deep pain and anguish at her sudden passing, we can find comfort in the Lords words in the Gospel of John 14:1-3. The Last chapters of Stefani’s story here on earth portray the most beautiful rescue of God’s Redeeming Love and Unrelentless pursuit of her personally. (Luke 15:3-7) The Lord revealed Himself to Stefani over the past few months in a miraculous way. The song by Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”( live with story)(youtube)ministered to Stefani on a personal level. She also mentioned just 3 weeks ago, the song by Molly Skaggs(Bethel music)entitled, “Ain’t no grave”. In her text, she said, “I just ran across this song for the first time. I am out back Praising Jesus!”. Part of Stefani’s rescue involved the Harbor Home in Conway,Arkansas. She spent several months surrounded by other women who shared similiar diificulties. When she left the Harbor home in July, she was filled with such joy. She said many times she couldn’t wait to share with others “all that God did.” She spent every morning reading her Bible, and worshipping the Lord. When Stefani came home from Harbor Home, she expressed the desire to take care of her dad, who had suffered a stroke a few months ago. She stated, “I feel like God wants me to do this.” She attended to his needs in the most selfless, loving way.
“Stefani had an unbreakable bond with her daughter, Devan. They took multiple trips together and had an unwavering connection. The two of them were more like sisters.
Stefani has a pitbull named Judge. They had an incredible bond and Judge was with her everywhere she went. They went on trips to the beach, Texas, and New Orleans. Stefani dreamed of volunteering at the pitbull rescue in New orleans.
She also wanted to touch young womens lives. She was always led to uplift anyone she came into contact with. Her testimony would move mountains in the lives of others she truly had a gift.”-Devan
Survivors include Devan Michelle Hinds, parents Steve and Shelby Stringfellow, sister Shannon Caplinger and family, sister Scarlett Hill and family, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins , and best friend to the end, Cy Hinds.
There will be a celebration of her life gathering on Wednesday, November 2nd , 10 am at Benton First Assembly of God, Benton, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harber Home: 18 Ranchette road, Conway, Arkansas and Villalobos rescue center (vrcpitbull.com)
Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Tyler Nolan Hayes, age 23, of Bauxite, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022. He was born July 26, 1999 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tyler worked for Middleton Heat & Air.
Tyler was the best man, son, brother, grandson, uncle and nephew that anyone could ever have. He loved everyone he met. Tyler was family to whom he ever met. He loved riding his Harley anytime he could and his dogs.
He is survived by his parents, Keith & Toran Hayes; brother, Austin Hayes; sister, Madison Hayes; grandparents, Bob Hayes; Sasan & Kathy Morshedi.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 4 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Sunshine, Arkansas.
Tyler loved his family and friends more than words could say, he will be greatly miss by all that knew and loved him.
In Tyler’s memory, memorials may be made to the Saline County Humane Society.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Rose Marie Wilkinson, 93 of Benton, passed away on October 26, 2022. She was born on February 28, 1929 in Houston, Texas to the late Carl Reynolds, Sr. and Valentine Wirt Reynolds.
Rose Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Valentine Reynolds, Sr., brother, Carl Reynolds, Jr. and wife, Bobbye Reynolds, grandmother, Laura Elizabeth Wirt; dearly loved first cousin and friend, JoNell Moore.
Rose Marie was an avid lover of all things Jesus! She was a good and faithful servant and member of First Assembly of God Church in Benton. He called her home when it was evident that she would not be able to return to her former active and vibrant life. Rose Marie loved to travel the world, especially to Israel. She had a very successful career in fundraising for Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, Tulane College of Medicine in New Orleans, LA, University of Little Rock in Little, Arkansas and University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. After retirement in 2004, she began her second career in city government serving as City Council Member and later as Recorder Treasurer for the City of Haskell. She was also a distinguished member of the Arkansas Municipal League, being awarded a life time membership in 2019. She loved her family fiercely and looked forward to all family events. She was especially happy to be able to meet and spend time with her grandchildren and great grand babies.
Rose Marie is survived by her daughter, Laura “Betsy” Arey and son in law, Jeff Arey of Haskell, grandson, Jacob Arey and wife, Leigh Ann of Bryant, granddaughter, Rachel Pilcher and husband, Patrick Pilcher of Scottsdale, Arizona; her precious great granddaughters, Ollie Kate and Ketcher Gray Arey of Bryant, Arkansas.
Memorial services will be held at First Assembly of God Church in Benton, Arkansas, 1801 Hwy 5 at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2022 with visitation to begin at 10:00 a.m. before services.
There will be an intimate burial at her family gravesite in Houston, Texas in the spring of 2023 where she will join four generations of loved ones on her mother’s side.
Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Mary Ellen Howe, 64, of Grapevine, Arkansas, passed away October 26, 2022. She was born December 28, 1957 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the late Edward and Rosalie (Parsons) Madigan.
Mary Ellen worked at Pro Cleaners in Bryant, Arkansas for over 35 years. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and cooking. If you wanted to know about anything, you did not need to go to Google, just ask Mary Ellen! Mary Ellen loved her family and friends and cherished time spending time together.
Mary Ellen leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of forty- five years Bob Howe, son Travis Howe and wife Brooke; grandchildren, Aimee and Justin; sisters: Pat McNamara and Shelley Madigan; brother, Edward (Buddy) Madigan and wife Julie; and many family members and friends who love Mary and will miss her always.
Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-10:00 PM, Saturday, November 5 at Holiday Inn Express in Bryant, Arkansas.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Gerald Fay Raper, 85, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord October 29, 2022. Gerald was born July 19, 1937 to the late Clarence Ralph Raper and Ruth Dorcus Burnett in Saline County.
Gerald graduated from Benton High in 1957. After graduation, he went to serve proudly in the U.S. Army. He later retired from Reynolds Metals Company. Gerald was a master upholster and taught several family members the trade. Gerald was a member of the Church of the Firstborn in Pine Bluff, AR. He also enjoyed restoring vintage vehicles, watching wrestling and hunting. Most of all, he loved being with his family and friends.
Gerald is preceded by his parents; sister, Imogene Burlbaw; brother, Ray Raper; and daughter, Darla Fontenot.
Gerald is survived by his son, Roger (Teresa) Raper; daughter, Debora (Randell) Harlin; Grandchildren: Lona Lewis, Colton Raper, Sarah Potts, Leona Harlin and Briar Jackson; four great-grandchildren; and many other extended family and friends who love and will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saline County Humane Society, P.O. Box 305 Benton, AR, 72018 or at www.hssaline.org.
Services will be held at a later time. Gerald will be laid to rest at Thomas Leatherwood Cemetery in Saline County.
Arrangements entrusted by Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Andrew Thomas Gossett, III, of Benton, Arkansas passed away October 30, 2022 at his home. He was born February 6, 1945, the son of Andrew Thomas II and Mossie Norene Landreth Gossett.
Tommy graduated from Central High School in Memphis. Following graduation, he went to work on the railroad in Memphis. Tommy later began driving trucks, in Memphis and Benton, and retired after twenty-five years on the road. Riding motorcycles was Tommy’s passion. He and his wife, “The Yellow Rose of Texas”, started traveling and chasing sunsets across the United States. They enjoyed life together. Tommy wasn’t much of a cook, but when he was with someone cooking, he always added his special ingredient to make it even better. Tommy loved his family and his extended family including all of his lodge brothers and his brothers in the motorcycle clubs.
Preceding Tommy in death are his beautiful wife, Donna Gossett-known as the “Yellow Rose of Texas”; parents, Andrew and Mossie Gossett; and step-son, Bobby Buck.
Tommy leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters: Angie (Larry) Taylor and Shawn (Danny) Rider; son, Jerry (Whitney) Buck; grandchildren: Venssa (Gary), Jerry (Erca), John (Nicole), Amanda, Kristen (Billy), Matthew (Angel), Andrew, and Keeley; ten great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many family members and friends who love Tommy and will miss him always.
Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00, Saturday, March 18, 2023, followed by memorial service, officiated by Rev. Kim Hammer, at 11:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Heaven became richer by one angel on October 30, 2022 when Marilyn Humphrey Moore left this world to spend eternity with JP, her husband with whom she shared 76 of her 100 years with. Marilyn was a kind, gentle and selfless lady, loved by her family and by the people whose lives she touched. She was her family’s source of unconditional love and quiet but unyielding fortitude. Her abiding interest was other people, their lives, their children and grandchildren, their joys and their sorrows and never once would she interrupt them to talk about herself (especially her age she would never reveal her age!).
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas to parents Norman and Madie Humphrey, Marilyn grew up with her sister Normadell, who was to be her best friend throughout her life until Normadell’s death in 2017. She married her soulmate and the love of her life, JP Moore, of Benton, Arkansas in 1943. He became a career officer in the US Air Force and throughout their married life they lived in New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Japan, Maryland, Florida, Indiana, New York and Virginia until JP’s retirement in 1966 when they settled in his hometown of Benton. Marilyn was active in the Philo Club and put to use the skills she had acquired in Japanese flower arranging when she joined the Riverdale Garden Club. The Moore’s church home was First Baptist Church of Benton where Marilyn was a member of the Ventures Sunday school class and she and JP sang in the senior choir.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Cheri Shelby (Richard McIlroy), Jerry Moore, Susan Moore and Melissa Carry (James); grandchildren, Andrew Shelby (Julia), Michael Shelby (Aimee), Christy Carry and Chloe Carry; great-grandchildren, Jakob and Drew Shelby, Tristan (Leslie) and River Gregory and Porter, Jack and Matthew Shelby and nieces, Sandra Herzfeld of Benton, Arkansas and Melanie Clark of Bartlett, Tennessee.
The family would like to extend its sincere and loving gratitude to Carol Martin Blann and Lisa Kaufholtz, both of whom were indispensable in the care of Marilyn in her final years.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home in Benton.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Benton.
Interment will follow at Rosemont Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. https://support.archildrens.org/give/280202/#!/donation/checkout
Billy Joe Merryman went home with Jesus October 31, 2022, he was 87 years old.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Orville and Janey Merryman and his brother, Willie Robert Merryman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn of 64 years. Two sons, Rickey (Rita) Merryman and Steve (Pat) Merryman. Granddaughter, Samantha (Dusty) Wells and great grandson, Alexander Wells. He was also blessed to have bonus grandchildren, Chris Henson, Kaite (Mac) James, Kristen Henson, Kevin Henson, Lee Meredith, Dillon (Heide) Meredith and Sydney Meredith. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. His sister, Wilma (Eddie) Denham; three brother in laws and two sister in laws.
Joe was born in Cullpepper, Arkansas. He was a man of Baptist faith and was a member Mt. Valley Baptist Church. He was a military man and at his time of medical discharge, he married the love of his life, Carolyn. They raised two sons and then when the boys were grown the family grew. His first grandchild was Samantha and she was the apple of his eyes, then Sam married Dusty Wells and made his life complete when Alexander was born. He adored his family.
He was a construction foreman by trade and he worked on the first water plant in Hot Springs. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, cutting wood and making memories with his family.
A graveside service will be held at Owensville Cemetery in Lonsdale on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 1:00PM with Bro. Tim Wicker officiating
Terry Wayne Hobbs died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 72 years old.
Terry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Betty (Farner); son, Franklin; daughter, Valerie Smith and her husband, Ben; two cherished grandsons, Gavin Miller and Brodie Miller; two brothers, Harlon Hobbs and his wife, Janice, and Nicky Hobbs; two nephews, Greg Hobbs and Brent Huchingson; two nieces, Nicole Hobbs and Shelly Strange and her husband, Doug; as well as great nieces and nephews, cousins, and his constant companion, Sugars.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank B. Hobbs and Ruthalee Patrick; two sisters, Cynthia Gail Huchingson and Diana Witham; nephew, Brad Huchingson; and brother-in-law, Danny Witham.
Terry was born in Benton, Arkansas on Friday, April 7, 1950. He graduated from Benton High School in 1968. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right out of high school and served until 1973. He retired from Jacuzzi Brothers in 2011 where he had worked for 37 years.
A man of few words, but the biggest of hearts, he will be remembered by those who loved him as a jokester, brilliant builder, protector, provider, caretaker, fantastical beard grower, Christmas elf, human furnace, fanatical hat wearer, tower of strength, …. and the BEST PawPaw to ever live.
We thank you for your love, your laughs, your side hugs, but most of all, we thank you for your service to your country—the details of which we will never know.
In typical fashion, he did not was to “make a fuss,” so no memorial service or funeral is planned.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Humane Society of Saline County.
Anne Nowlin Elder died on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. She was born on Thursday, October 14, 1948, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to William Edger and Lillian Garland Nowlin. She was a graduate from Arkadelphia High School, class of 1966. She earned her BA degree from Ouachita University in 1970 and her MA degree from Arkansas Tech in 1982.
A schoolteacher for 30 years, she taught at high schools in Helena-West Helena, Dardanelle, Russellville, and in Little Rock where she spent 23 years teaching English and yearbook journalism at Mills High School.
Anne is predeceased by her parents and a brother, Joseph Edwin Nowlin.
She is survived by her husband, Roy Thomas Elder; her son, Steve Elder and grandchildren, Phen, Bodey, and Sunny Lee of Greenbrier; her daughter, Sherry Cagle and grandchildren Logan, Nathan, and Haleigh from Bryant. She is also survived by one brother, Robert Edgar (Deborah) Nowlin and several cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
We will not be having a funeral service for Anne; instead, we will have a celebration of her life with family and friends and it will be held at a later date and will be updated when determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.