Charles Edward Bailey, Jr., 64, was born on October 6, 1957, Nashville, TN and departed his earthly life in Benton, AR, on December 31, 2021. Charles always considered himself to be a lucky person. This recognition first came as he grew up an “Air Force Brat” providing many interesting boyhood homes around the US and in Europe. One of his favorite experiences was his youth in England and the opportunity to visit his mother’s home in Munich, Germany where he got to meet his Oma and Opa, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins. Charles’ father, “Chuck”, was an accomplished singer/songwriter musician and the talent was certainly passed on to his son. Charles was born with music in his soul. He played in several local bands, most notably Beowulf and Spoonfed. As a teen in England he and his best friends walked the campus with school books in one hand and a guitar case in the other. Music was his passion…he let it be known that he was a huge Elvis fan and was heavily influenced by the “king’s” rock and roll style. His parents, mostly by way of example, taught him many important lessons growing up that would serve him well throughout his life. He supported his family as a self employed heating/air/refrigeration contractor and was known by his customers (and also too often to his friends and family as well) as the guy who could fix anything. He always took the time to lend that helping hand because he truly cared for the people in his life and dearly loved his family. He had an unmatched archive of photos taken in furtherance of that love. He was especially devoted to his mother since the death of his father in 2003. He loved riding his motorcycle and, likewise, the camaraderie of hunting and fishing with friends. He was known to those close to him, and to those who just had occasion to make his acquaintance, as a person with an exceptionally good heart. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Robin, and his beloved three daughters, Olivia Ann, Erin Elizabeth “Liza” and Lorelei Star. To him, they were “my girls”, and he was very proud of them. He is also survived by his mother, Irmgard Hagn Bailey, sisters Ester Madison, Beverly Bailey Moore (Robert) and Anna Breyel…along with a number of nieces , nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He leaves also his lifelong best friend, Robby Erwin, and his beloved fat cat “Jelly”. The family wishes that memorial donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and, on Charles behalf, that the unvaccinated get the vaccine. ..and as he would often say, “Elvis has left the building”.. (A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date) Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Patsy Marie Tanner Shuffield, 77, of Traskwood, passed peacefully in her sleep on December 29, 2021. She was born on July 20, 1944 in Malvern, Arkansas to the late James Olin and Lillie Marie Rigsby Tanner. Patsy spent her life taking care of and loving her family, parents and her brother, Ronnie Tanner. She was preceded in death by her parents; fiancée, Kelly Depisa; and brother, James R. Tanner. Patsy is survived by her sons, Steve and Brian Shuffield, daughter in laws, Kristi and Cindy Shuffield, her beloved grandchildren, Courtney and Adam Steel, Mary Shuffield Winger and Sonny Winger, Vivian and A.J. Ford; Olin Shuffield; great grandchildren, Braelynn and Javin, numerous nieces and nephews that she loved with all of her heart and dearest friend, Jack Brickell. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Fairplay Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday at Ashby’s, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Loretta Jean Wright, age 74, of Benton, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021. She was born February 7, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late J.C. and Margaret White. Loretta was a longtime employee of Fidelity Abstract Company and retired from the City of Benton. She was an active member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. Loretta was an avid softball player and in 2008 was inducted into the Benton Softball Hall of Fame. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling, fishing, attending a variety of sporting events, and listening to Elvis. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert White. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jimmy Wright; daughters, Lori (Tony) Bacon of Benton, Lynnea Wright of Traskwood, and Lesley Wright of Bryan, Texas; granddaughters, Lizzie and Maggie Bacon; and a host of other family members and friends. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 4 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Sharon Cemetery. Dr. Michael Reese will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Carter, Grant Cole, Bill Ford, Richard Moore, Jim Villines, and Wesley Wright. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sharon Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund @ 402 Shenandoah Drive in Benton, AR 72019 or the Sharon Cemetery Association @ 705 Bitterroot Drive in Benton, AR 72019.
James Drew (Butch) Lott, 76, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 in Benton after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born May 29, 1945 in Lake Village to James Albert Lott and Katharyn Drew Lott. James was a Vietnam Veteran who served two tours of duty in the US Navy. He was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Benton. He was an active member of VFW Post 2256 in Benton. He was past president of the Benton Optimist Club and loved to coach little league baseball teams. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Deborah (Debbie) Lott, son Drew Lott (Britton), daughter Jaime Lott, sisters Nancy Treece (David) and Sharon Sanders (James), sister-in-law Sandy Harris, and a nephew who was like a son Ryan Petruck. His grandchildren Evan and Lillie Gaston and Bennett, Margo, and Alice Drew Lott were the joys of his life. He is survived by nephews Allen and Michael Treece, Jason and Cory Sanders, Cody Gwin, and niece Callie Gwin. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 4 at Ashby Funeral Home with memorial services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Jay Bruno will be officiating. Masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saline County Boys & Girls Club @ 1810 Citizens Drive in Benton, AR 72015 or St. Matthews Episcopal Church @ 1112 Alcoa Road in Benton, AR 72015.
Daniel O. “Dan” Fooks, age 75, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021. He was born August 10, 1946 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dan was a U. S. Army Veteran and a mail carrier for the U. S. Postal Service in Benton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Oliver “Pinky” & Bebe Blanche Vandergrift Fooks and a brother, Phillip Fooks. Dan is survived by his wife, Julia Nell Fooks; two sons, Matt Fooks and Sam Fooks (Kim); two daughters, Katy Park (Jeff) and Beth Montgomery (David); sister, Sandy Craig (Roger); nine grandchildren; several nieces & nephews; and an abundance of friends & family. Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Cleona Mae Moody, 93 of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 following a long period of declining, physical health. Mae was born in Norman, Arkansas on July 10, 1928. She was preceded in death by Dave Moody, her husband of 40 years, parents, Silas and Maudie Wilson, two sisters, Fay Gilmore and Ray Davenport. She is survived by her son, Darryle S. Moody, nieces, Nancy Moody, Melanie Davenport, Kim Frederick, Karen Shelnut and Linda Montalvo; nephews, Lowell Moody, Pat Davenport and Kelly Don Williams. Mae was retired from Benton school system, where she had worked as a cafeteria cook at Benton High school for many years. Some of her fondest memories were of Family get to gathers during past Christmases and recollections of all the places across the United States and Canada that she was able to visit following her retirement. Mae will be remembered as a kind and caring person, friend to all with whom she came into contact. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Rosemont Cemetery in Benton on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mae’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Martha Yvonne Willis, 76 of Poyen, Arkansas, passed away on December 29, 2021. She was born on January 23, 1945 in Zion, Arkansas to the late Herbert and Juanita Compton Hines. Martha worked at the State Hospital for many years, now known as The Arkansas Health Center in Haskell. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert Willis, brother, Bobbie Lynn Cunningham and sister, Glenda Fay Hollis. Martha is survived by her son, Jimmy Willis, daughter, Renae Willis, brother, Ronnie Cunningham, sisters, Susan Cunningham and Vicki Boyer, brother in law, Chick Hollis, grandchildren, Brittany Evert and Cody Willis. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2022 with burial to follow at Fairplay Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashbys, Monday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Jewell Marie Wright, age 89, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021. She was born May 10, 1932 in Lacy, Arkansas. Jewell was a Hostess for Holiday Inn in Little Rock and later for Ed & Alma’s then Ed & Kay’s in Benton. She was a member of Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Annie Tully; husband, John D. Wright; three brothers, Johnny, Howard, and Porter Tully; and one sister, Charlene Cornett. Jewell is survived by her son, Tommy Wright (Annette); daughter, Debbie Moore (Jackie); brother, James Tully; sister, Martha Mae Smith; five grandchildren, Chad, Derek, Brittany, Dallas, and Alissa; seven great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Isaac, Roman, Landon, Hayden, Gracelynn, and Aaron; and numerous other family and friends. Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 2 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 3 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Bro. Nick Calaway will be officiating.
Our hearts are broken, but our Mom, Nawna, wife, aunt, sister and friend is celebrating in heaven today! Rhonda Laeh Long Camp born September 22, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Sonny and Sue Long passed away on January 2, 2022. Rhonda was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her mother and best friend, Sue Long; maternal grandparents, Lemuel & Vera Ruth Burks; paternal grandparents Floyd and Hazel Long; and mother and father-in-law, Rayburn and Ruth Ann Camp. Rhonda is survived by her husband and soulmate of 38 years, Steve Camp; her daughters: Brooke Kling (Jeff) and Carrie Thomas (David Stratton); the absolute apples of her eyes-her grandsons: Barrett Kling, Hoytt Thomas, and Sheppard Kling; father, Sonny Long; brother, Rick Long (Karen); sister, Regina Bennett (Tim); brother-in-law, Mark Camp (Lori); nieces and nephews: Rikki Walker (Jason), Jesse Long (Erin), Jennifer Webb, Genny Wilson, Vikki Wolf (Matt), Kyleigh Rowland (Travis) and Timmy Bennett; great-nieces and nephews: Emma, Isaac, Zane, Max, Caroline, Savannah, Charlotte, Sam, Loegan, and Stevie; and special friends: Karen Watkins Ray, Todd Smith and Phyllis Chism Wright. Rhonda loved her family more than anything in this world. Her most favorite thing to do was to spend time with her grandsons. She was so very proud of them. They loved her dearly and will miss her more than imaginable. The family would like to thank “her girls” on the oncology floor at Baptist Hospital. They truly catered to Rhonda’s every need. They not only provided the best care to our wife and mother but became family to her. Visitation held 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 5 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 6 at the funeral home. Burial following at Ten Mile Cemetery. Services by Smith-Benton Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Lois Fay Stracener, 72, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away January 1, 2022. She was born November 4, 1949 in Benton, Arkansas to James C. and Ella Jean (Balding) Broadway. Lois grew up playing softball. Family was everything to Lois and she loved spending time with them. She enjoyed long talks on the phone with family and friends. Lois lived in Houston, Texas for thirty years. After retiring, she moved back to her home in Bauxite. Lois loved caring for children. Going to concerts was one of Lois’ favorite pastimes, especially to see and hear George Strait. She never missed watching an episode of her favorite soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Preceding Lois in death are her daughter, Renee Stracener; and her parents. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of forty years, Ronald Stracener; son, Kevin Land (Jo Nell); daughter, Tanya Lloyd (Steve); grandchildren: Tyler (Abigail), Nikki (Tom), and Taylor (Jared); sisters, Peggy Hodge (Hoot), Nancy Broadway, and Donna Broadway; brother, John Broadway (Monica); and many family members and friends who love Lois and will miss her always. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 11, with memorial service following at 2:00 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Anne Michelle Smith Stauber, 53, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 31, 2021. She was born September 28, 1968 in New York City, New York to Dr. John Tom and Margarette (Arnold) Smith. Michelle had a beautiful smile that would light up a room when she walked in. Although she may have been small, she was fierce. Michelle had a soft heart and was well balanced in life. She persevered despite adversities, and she was very persistent in things going her way. Michelle always had the best of intentions in all her actions. She was a very private person and kept to herself most of the time, however, she cherished family and spending time with them. Left to cherish Michelle’s memory are her daughters: Peyton and Sydney Stauber, both of Benton, Arkansas; parents, Dr. John Tom and Mrs. Margarette Smith of Heber Springs, Arkansas; brother, Mark Smith of Centerton, Arkansas; aunts: Suzanne McDonald and husband Ed of Little Rock, Arkansas and Carolyn Carter of Longview, Texas; uncle, Bill Smith and wife Judy of Little Rock, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Michelle and will miss her always. Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 11, with memorial service, officiated by Bill Smith, following 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.
Steven Ray Ward, 68, of Bryant, Arkansas walked into heaven leaving his wheelchair behind on December 30, 2021. He was born May 28, 1953 in Malvern, Arkansas to the late Billie Gene Ward and Opal Lee (Burrow) Wilkerson. Steven worked with the Arkansas Highway Department as a driller. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Steven also enjoyed guns and going to the shooting range. He was a member of the Benton Gun Club. His dog, Bandit, was his little buddy, always close by his side. Steven was a resident at Fox Ridge and could often be found playing Solitaire with the receptionist at the front desk. Despite being stubborn and picky, Steven was loved and will be missed always. Steven leaves behind to cherish his memory three daughters: Hollie Wesson of Perryville, Arkansas, Brandy Engle and husband James of Benton, Arkansas, and Amber Bryant and husband Bren of Pottsville, Arkansas; grandchildren: Ethan Robbins, Brenjermen Bryant and wife Emma, Andrew Robbins, Khali Engle, Brody Engle, and Abigail Bryant; sisters, Theresa Zuber and husband Robert and Janet Schuurmans and husband Roy; brother, Randy Ward and wife Rita; his ex-wife and close friend, Cookie Ward of Perryville, Arkansas; and many family members and friends. Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, January 4, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, in Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Raymond C. Moore, Sr., 75, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away December 30, 2021. He was born March 11, 1946 in Atlanta, Texas to the late Wilburn and Katherine (Echols) Moore. Raymond proudly served in both the United States Army and Marines. He was active in two tours of Vietnam. After leaving the military, Raymond became a truck driver and drove for over forty years. Raymond felt the Lord tugging at his heart and was saved in 1998. He gave his whole heart to the Lord and served Him joyfully. Raymond was a member of the Revolution Church, where he was affectionately called the “Candy Man”. He gave candy out to all the children–some who are now adults and have children of their own. Raymond adored his wife and thought she could do everything, but shouldn’t have to do anything. Raymond had to be a big man to hold his big heart. His mission was serving others. He was ¾ Apache Indian, so when driving his truck, he would often stop at reservations and would help teach them how to weatherproof their huts and provided funds to help children with their education. Raymond also stopped to help homeless people and veterans by offering a hot meal, cup of coffee, or by sharing God’s love for them. He helped many people get back on their feet, get a job, or reconnect with their family. His philosophy was ”don’t give someone a fish, teach them to fish”. Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of twenty-four years, Denise Moore of Bauxite, Arkansas; step-sons: Timothy Bennett of Bauxite, Arkansas and Anthony Bennett of Picaune, Mississippi; father-in-law, Earl Peek, Sr. of Bryant, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Earl Peek, II of Bauxite, Arkansas; nieces: Amanda Peek and Tiffany Peek of New Orleans, Louisiana; great nephews: Leroy Miranda, Colt Miller, and Hendrix Moore; great-nieces: Kalila Miller and Mia Moore; and many family members and friends who love Raymond and will miss him always. Services will be scheduled at Revolution Church, 17270 I-30 Frontage Rd, Benton, Arkansas. Please check for updates on our website at www.SmithFamilyCares.com. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Donald Ray Bowdle, 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 29, 2021. He was born August 16, 1940, in Malvern, Arkansas to the late Donnie and Iris Bowdle. Donald Ray served in the United States Navy as an engineman on an ice breaker, USS Burton Island, where he traveled from the North Pole to the South Pole. During his Navy career, Donald Ray traveled around the world twice. After his military career, Donald Ray was a truck driver for over twenty-five years. He was a true cowboy and enjoyed riding horses and team roping. Donald Ray also worked cows and was a member of the Cattleman’s Association. Donald Ray was a tough, hard-working man, but always made time for his family. He was gentle, fun-loving, and loved to joke around. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Donald Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Pat Bowdle of Benton, Arkansas; three children: Darrin Ray Bowdle, Sheila Bowdle-Dunlap and husband Lance, and Ramon Scott Bowdle, all of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: BreeAnne Bowdle and Darrin Ray Bowdle, Jr.; great-grandchilden: Alivia, Abel, and Leila; brother, Bernard Bowdle and wife Tina of Malvern, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Donald Ray and will miss him always. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 5, at Fairplay Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Donna Ruth Goodnight of Little Rock, AR June 16, 1932 – December 28, 2021 Donna Ruth Vandegrift Gundolf Goodnight, 89, passed away following a long struggle with dementia on December 28, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded in death by her father, Harley Floyd Vandegrift and her mother, Cansaida Elizabeth Weaver Vandegrift, brother, Samuel Dee Vandergrift and sister, Nina Belle Vandergrift Emery. Donna is survived by her brother James Franklin Vandergrift (Vercie) of Little Rock, sons Michael Robert and Donald Edwin Gundolf, of Benton, daughters Vanessa Ruth Gundolf Lovett (Jimmie) of Liverpool, Tx, and Bobbi Sue Gundolf Willhite (Bob) of Jacksonville. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Donna was an avid plant lover and was her happiest in the flower garden. She retired from Timber Ridge Ranch, a pediatric brain injury facility in Saline County, where she served as greenhouse manager, a job she loved. The family wishes to express their heart-felt gratitude to the staff of Colonel Glenn Health and Rehab for the excellent care Mother received. Donna will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Funeral services are provided by Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home. Obituary provided by Donnie and Vanessa, Mom’s favorites.
Raymond Lee Snodderly, 94, of Bryant passed away on December 27, 2021. Ray was born on December 22, 1927, in Bluejacket, Oklahoma to Jake and Florence (Horton) Snodderly. Ray was a butcher by trade and worked in packing houses in Little Rock, Colorado Springs, and Muskogee. He enjoyed deer and quail hunting and bass fishing. He attended church at Indian Springs Baptist Church and then First Southern Baptist Church in Bryant until his health began to fail. Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He is survived by a daughter, Linda Jones of Bryant and Hot Springs, grandson, Johnny Jones (Jennifer), three great-grandchildren, Jacey Ward, Avery Jones, and Max Jones, one great-great granddaughter, Remi Kate DeLeon, and a great-great grandchild due in August 2022, all of Benton. He is also survived by an honorary son, Kerry Keough, and ex-wife, Jean Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Gene Snodderly of Rockford, IL, and Marvin Snodderly of Bluejacket, OK and son, Gary Lee Snodderly of Bryant. The family would like to thank the staff at Heartland Rehabilitation and Care Center for the loving care they provided for the last couple of years. A visitation will be Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home 6700 Alcoa Rd. Benton, AR. (501) 315-0700.
Patty Lee Halpain, 63, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on December 31, 2021. She was born on November 11, 1958, in Little Rock, Arkansas. No services have been determined. Services provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Troy Pruett Jr, 76, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away on December 30, 2021. He was born to Troy Pruett Sr and Maudie Ridder on October 9, 1945. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and horse racing. He loved going to the casino and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents: his wife, Mary Ann: son, Jeffrey Troy Pruett. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Ann Sisk: brother, Henry Pruett: sister, Edna Ivey. Grandkids, Nikki, J.D, Colbi, Taylor, Mandy, and Freddy Wayne: One great grandchild. And a host of family and friends who loved him dearly. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Celebration of life will be Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, at 12:00 P.M at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
Linda Carol Patterson, 78, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away on December 28, 2021. She was born to Erwin Butcher and Thelma Healy on December 22, 1943, in Kenton, Ohio. She loved and cared deeply for her family; they were her life. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, card, and board games. Majority of her life was spent around her family. She is preceded in death by her father, Erwin Butcher; mother, Thelma Healy; daughter, Minda Mowery; granddaughter, Jessica Sears. She is survived by her kids, Troy Butcher of Mabelvale, Kelly Wiederhold, and her husband, Jim, of Missouri, Mitchell Mowery and his wife, Barbara, of Missouri, and Tracy Huff of Missouri; along with eleven grandkids and seven great grandkids who will all miss her dearly. Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.