Peggy Thompson Mize, age 90, of Benton, passed away early on Thursday, November 3, 2022. She was born February 15, 1932, to Orrie and Pauline Thompson of Des Arc, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Dale Mize, who was the love of her life and her best friend.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Mize of Little Rock, Robin Fuhrman (Bryant) of Salida, CO, Paula Dahm (Mike) of Pittsburgh, PA; and grandchildren, Brian Dahm (Julia) and Beth Ballard (Ben) and 3 great-grandchildren, all from Pittsburgh, PA. She was also survived by her sister Martha Cash, of Cabot and John Thompson (Louise), of Conway.
As the daughter of a Methodist minister, Peggy was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Benton. She loved sitting at the piano playing hymns, especially with family members singing along or her grandson Brian accompanying her on the trumpet. Peggy enjoyed many things in life such as golf, bridge, dogs, gardening, baking cookies, Razorback sports and traveling with Dale. Their last trip was a road trip to complete their goal of travel through all 50 states.
Peggy was a loving, passionate wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She never hesitated to host a party in her home and was known for her hospitality, and wonderful humor. The example she set will influence many lives forever.
The family would like to thank the women of Charlotte’s Home Care Service for their exemplary care, love, and service in taking care of our mother for the past 5 years.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Benton at 3:00 pm on Monday, November 7th. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.
Charles Lee Carty, 73, of Benton, Arkansas, a 35-year veteran of Law Enforcement service, went to be with the Lord Thursday, November 3, 2022. Charlie was born October 16, 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Preceded in death by Father, Herman Austin Carty; Mother, Annie Hazel Carty; and Sister, Patricia Ann Carty Childs. Charlie is survived by his wife Jan of 20 years; Brother, Nick (Rhonda) Carty; Daughters: Leigh Anne (Chuck) Anderson, Leslie (Rich) McKinney, Christy Cole, Kimmie (Matt) Lanier, Erica (Philip) Cole. Grandchildren: Dewayne (Vanessa) Manson, William & Alex Anderson, Taylor McKinney, Katie (Adam) Croy, Becca & Lily McKinney, Josh & Emma Lanier, Lexi Heibel, Nathan & Paige Lanier. Great Grandchild: Marcus Manson. Cousins, extended family members, church family of Old Union Baptist Church of Benton, his Brothers and Sisters in Blue, dear friends, and his beloved cat Smokey.
Charlie was a lover of horses, family, and community. He became a proud member of the Golden Knights Kiwanis Club, the Blue Knights Arkansas 1 Motorcycle Club, and was a Civil War Reenactor and Revolutionary War Reenactor that began in Junior High school. During his years working with Boy Scouts Explorer Post #63, he built a working civil war era cannon.
Charlie served as an Aviation Warrant Officer with Air America in Vietnam where he was shot down and wounded, then completed his service Stateside. Later, he spent several years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Charlie began his police service with the Little Rock Police Department in 1969. Three years later Charlie did his own personal undercover operation with KFC to obtain the secret 11 herbs and spices before rejoining the force spending 3 years with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, another 8 years with the Shannon Hills Marshals Office, and another 21 years with the Benton Police Department totaling 35 years of Law Enforcement Service. He started as a patrol officer and worked his way up to Sargent of Professional Standards. Through his position as Sargent, the Benton community came to know him as an officer and a person.
Charlie was most proud that he never lost a child abuse case in court. He believed there are criminals and then there are child abusers. Charlie found supporting causes for abused, neglected, and kidnapped children including the Morgan Nick Alert Program and the Knights Kiwanis club in Benton. Charlie and Mike Kassel also started the Annual Fishing Derby in support of underprivileged children of Saline County which has continued to this day.
Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 11 at Ashby Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Pastor Philip Hinkson will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation Children’s Way @ Slot 661 in Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.
Patricia Ann Coker, age 69, of Bauxite, passed away Friday, November 4, 2022. She was born June 30, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri. Patricia was a secretary for a grocery chain. She is preceded in death by her parents, Esther & Roscoe “Roy” Book and a son, Wesley Stewart Coker.
She is survived by her husband, Michael David Coker; son, Jason Dale Coker; brother, Jerry Book; sister, Judy Melton; and one granddaughter, Kaleigh Coker.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 9 at Bethlehem Cemetery in Greenbrier.
Johnny Paul Vandegrift, 63, of Benton, Arkansas passed away November 4, 2022. He was born February 27, 1959 in Benton, Arkansas to Bill and Hazel Elrod Vandegrift.
Johnny was so proud of his children and taught them the benefits of hard work. He adored his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papaw”, a name that soon everyone called him. Johnny was an avid Razorback and Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a great jokester and prankster and was always a kid at heart. He enjoyed playing pool in his game room and riding his Harley Davidson.
Preceding Johnny in death is his father, Bill Vandegrift.
Johnny leaves behind to cherish his memory his three children: Brandon Caldwell (Casey) of Lonsdale, Arkansas, Brittany Sylvester of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lauren Vandegrift (Wesley Ammons) of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Jude, Jessie, Drayke, Raegan, and Addy; siblings: Cindy Collard (Jerry) of Benton, Paula Vandegrift-Smith (Randy) of Benton, Wade Vandegrift of Benton, and Virgil Vandegrift (Neili) of Benton; step-mother, Hazel Vandegrift of Benton; and many family members and friends who love Johnny and will miss him always.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Family will hold memorial at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Linnie Henson was a caring mother, grandmother and friend. She left this world 77 years young, to meet the Lord on 11/1/2022 after battling multiple illnesses.
Linnie was born to Ed and Lola Lovell in Benton Arkansas. After graduating high school, she married and started a family. She adopted a daughter, Holly.
Linnie is survived by a daughter, Holly Williams (Travis); grandsons, Teylor Arndt (Lindsey), Landon Arndt, Kate Williams and Ethan Williams. Other survivors include cousins, Sherri Sweeten and Kristi Edwards, Tina Riehl, Mike Slaughter (Lisa), Danny and Winn Williams and lifetime best friend, Janet Hughes. She has so many other friends she loved and cared about.
Linnie was preceded in death by parents, Ed and Lola Lovell Pracht and cousin, Barbara Maccarino (Sonny, living)
Linnie was surrounded by loved ones and friends. She had so many others surrounding her in thoughts and prayers.
Linnie loved her church, family and friends. She loved helping people. She was a member of Hot Springs Baptist Church and loved her Church family. She sang in the choir and helped with community outreach organizations through the church.
Family will be at 112 Ellis Ct. in Hot Springs.
Visitation is scheduled at Hot Springs Baptist Church, 144 Weston Rd., Hot Springs, Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:30am, with service to immediately follow at 11:00am.
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