Obeda Ulden Beck, 91 of Malvern, passed away on December 28, 2019. She was born on December 31, 1927 in Traskwood to the late William David and Olive Gulledge Gatlin. Obeda was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Benton. Obeda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Elbert Beck, son, Daniel Beck, sister, Virgie Raper and husband, J.T. Raper, and brother in law, Max Wright, brothers, Vernon Gatlin and James Floyd Gatlin and son in law, Aubrey Uptigrove, daughter in law, Sally Beck. She is survived by her children, Linda Uptigrove, Alvin (Jackie) Gatlin, John Wayne (Gina) Craig, Freddy Beck, Dale (Carolyn) Beck and Joe (Lisa) Beck, sister, Merlyne Wright, daughter in law, Pam Beck, sister in law, Jamie Gatlin; nineteen grandchildren, thirty five great grandchildren and 24 great great grandchildren. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019 with visitation 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. before services. Burial will follow at Traskwood Cemetery. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Carmen A. Glenn, 54, of Benton, passed away on December 31, 2019. She was born in Benton on May 19, 1965. Carmen was a member of New Life Baptist church in Alexander. She was the proud owner of the Frame Game for 16 years. Carmen was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Bush. She is survived by her loving husband of ten years, Hank Glenn, daughters, Hillary Bell and Brooke Glenn, sons, Blake (Allie) Glenn and Bryce Glenn, parents, Sam and Bertha McIntyre and Jimmy Bush, brother, Glenn (Amy) McIntyre and many family and friends who loved her dearly. Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4th at New Life Baptist Church with burial to follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at New Life Baptist Church On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Amber Renee Shaw DeMar, 42 of Alexander, AR, passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2019. She was born on July 17, 1977 to Bud Shaw and Renee Butler Shaw in Poplar Bluff, MO. Amber worked for the Little Rock Police Department for 19 years, and most recently, worked as a top saleswoman for Reed’s Metals of Benton. Her favorite role, however, was being both Sami’s mom and dad, after the tragic passing of Sami’s father in 2015. Amber was a free spirit, who always seemed to find an adventure. Perhaps that’s why she loved driving the open road so much in Stella, her mustang. One thing is for certain, her glowing smile and contagious laugh will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband, David DeMar, grandfather, Clayton Butler, and grandmother, Sandy Shaw. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter Samantha “Sami” DeMar, grandmother, Gail Butler of Bryant, grandfather Robert Shaw, Sr. of Malden, Missouri, brother Alex Shaw of Benton, sister Nicole Tallman of Sherwood, stepchildren Tyler DeMar of Indianapolis, Indiana, Thomas DeMar of Monroe, Louisiana, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, countless friends, and her beloved dog, Lexi. A memorial service at Ashby Funeral Home will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the gofundme account to help Sami, a junior at Bryant High School, further her education and cover any immediate expenses. gofundme.com/f/sami-demar039s-college-fund On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Helen Charlene Tyson, age 86, of Benton, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020. She was born March 11, 1933 in Bismarck, Arkansas. Charlene was a member of the First Baptist Church in Benton and volunteered for several years at C-John. She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Owen & Beulah Audry Carpenter; husband of 67 years, Glenn Tyson; three sisters; one brother and aunts & uncles. She is survived by her son, Glenn Riley Tyson; two daughters, Jolene Squires and Alana Tyson; three brothers, J. L., James and Steve Carpenter; three sisters, Estlene Jones, Elveda Smith and Betty Barcus; five grandchildren, Glenn R. Tyson Jr., Trampas W. Tyson, Joseph Bryan Naylor, Anthony J. Tyson and Richard M. Tyson and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 6 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. Dr. Rick Grant will be officiating. Family Comments: Charlene lived her life in accordance with her strongly held Christian beliefs. She was a living example of unconditional love and will be greatly missed.
Jessie Mae Blanks, age 70, of Benton, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020. She was born December 31, 1949 in Portland, Arkansas. Jessie worked for Pepsi Cola Co. and Henri’s Food Product Co. as a packer & operator for 16 years, later, became known as Unilever Best Food in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In January of 2004, she relocated to Benton and worked 6 years for Saline Memorial Hospital as a Diet Aide and retired October 29, 2010. Jessie was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her father, Eddie Lee Jackson; mother, Angeline Gilbert; grandmother, Eula Washington and siblings, James Jackson, Mary Wilson, Bettie Willis and Anthony Gilbert. She is survived by her husband, Harol Gene Blanks and siblings, Beulah Hunt, Bobbie William, Virl Newsom & Ardell Willis all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Arthur (Wanda) Willis of Dixon, California, Carolyn (Roosevelt) Wilson of Little Rock, Dorothy Agoro of Racine, Wisconsin and Elma Gilbert of Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 17 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lee Cemetery in Benton. Bro. Kim Hammer will be officiating. Ashby Funeral Home
Barbara B. Moore, 85 of Benton, passed away on January 6, 2020. She was born on January 4, 1935 in Bletchley, England to the late Charles and Florence Burnett. Barbara was a seamstress before leaving England. She was a member of the St. Matthews Episcopal Church of Benton. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert Moore, three brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her son, Darren Moore of Little Rock and brother, Alfred Burnett. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with Rev. Jay Bruno officiating at Pine Crest Cemetery in Alexander. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Ashbys. On line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Evelyn Ann Major, 71 of Benton, passed away on January 5, 2020. She was born on March 8, 1948 in Hot Springs to the late Frank and Emma Jean Boshears Butler. Evelyn was a member of New Life Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jerry Don Major. Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Sheila Ranea Major of Benton, sisters, Frankie Butler, Helen Hughes, Janet Punkett, Ruby Faulkner and Edith Isom, grandchildren, Karlie Ann Reynolds, Zack Major, great grandchildren, Bellamy Major and Maddox Major. Memorial Services will be held on January 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. On line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Phyllis Bryant 72, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on December 29, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on November 2, 1947 to the late Joe and Tonia Lindsey in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Phyllis loved to garden. She was a Master Gardener who also loved cooking and making fudge. She also enjoyed spending as much time with her family as possible, especially attending all her grandkids sporting events. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert Bryant; four brothers, Joe Norrell, Max, Jamie, and Michael Joe Lindsey; and one sister, Loretta Brewster. Phyllis is survived by three children, Michele Dow, Robert Bryant “Kim”, and Lindsey Huett “Justin”; seven grandchildren, Megan “Josh”, Mason “Destinee”, Austin, Toni, Alex, Eli, and Lillie; three great grandchildren, Avery, Gunner, and AnnaMae; and a host of other family and friends who all loved her dearly and will miss her very much. Celebration of life will be Tuesday December 31, 2019 at 2:30 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. To sign online guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneral home.com.
Pastor Norris Edward Doddridge was born in Traskwood Arkansas on October 13, 1928. His Lord called him home December 31, 2019. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps and Air Force Reserve. He retired as a machinist at Reynold’s Metal. He surrendered to the call to preach at the age of 28, established a jail ministry and a radio ministry, preaching three jail services a week, before Sunday morning services at his church. He pastored from 1957-2013 and forty years of those years were at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas, and would fill in the pulpit for his son, Pastor Michael Doddridge when needed. We are a living legacy of a pastor who loved his flock and always felt it a privilege and honor to pastor his flock. Norris took his calling very seriously, never wandering from the right, nor the left. He fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. Henceforth this is laid for him a crown of righteousness, which The Lord, the Righteous Judge shall give him at that day, and not to him only, but unto all of them that love His appearing. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Della Doddridge Sr., one sister Geraldine (Doddridge) Benedict, three brothers Harry Doddridge Jr., Eugene Doddridge, and John Doddridge. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (DuVall) Doddridge; one son Michael Doddridge; two daughters, Anita Cox, and Cathy Acord (Gary); one stepson, Ray Love; three sisters Mildred Bradshaw, JoAnn Whitlock, and Mary Lou Wahl; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main Street, Benton (501) 315-4047. A time of visitation and remembrance will begin an hour prior to service time at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Traskwood Cemetery in Traskwood. Pallbearers are Tracy Jackson, Jim Doddridge, Dan Doddridge, Rick Davis, Keith Hunter, and Jeremy Acord. Honorary Pallbearers are Roger Love, Pedy Whitlock, and Drew Ruff.
Robert Gately Jr, age 32, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away Saturday, December 28, 2019. He was born in Dallas, Texas to Karen Bass. He served in the National Guard, was a trucker by trade, enjoyed playing disk golf, and had a heart of gold. Survivors include his mother, Karen Bass (Jimmie); one brother, Sterlyn Gately; one sister, Sarah Greer (Richard), and was a great uncle to his six nieces and nephews, Brylie, Blakely, Jesse, Margaret, Kasen, and Audrey. A time of visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, AR
Lynda Ann Davis, 61, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 28, 2019. She was born March 27, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Walter Pollich, Jr. and Judith Ann (Runte) Pollich. Lynda loved to garden and had a “green thumb.” She was gifted at making hand-made crafts and made wooden Christmas ornaments which family members cherish as heirlooms. Lynda was a professional “DIY” and could do any home repairs around the house. Her motto was “It’s as easy as 1…2…3!” Lynda enjoyed baking special treats and mailed them to her family across the United States. Family was most important to Lynda. Her children and grandchildren were her treasures. They lovingly called her “Oma” as she was too young and cool to be called grandmother! Lynda leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of forty-three years, Ken Davis of Benton, Arkansas; children: Brandon Davis and wife Darcy of Riverside, California and Heather Davis-Meyers and husband Charles of Benton, Arkansas; seven grandchildren: Seth, Lailah, Alyssa, Shane, Avalynne, Alayna, and Lauryn; brother, Wally Pollich and wife Kristen of Benton, Arkansas; two sisters: Cindy Harvey and husband John of Glendora, California and Susan Breitenberg and husband David of Hot Springs, Arkansas; nieces and nephews: Ryan Pollich, Collin Pollich, Nick Wright, Zac Wright, Ashley Harvey-Wiggins and husband Mike, Brittany Harvey, Johnny Harvey, Allie Breitenberg, and Ethan Breitenberg; and a host of family members and friends who love Lynda and will miss her always. Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 31, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
James Bradley “Brad” Stout, 35, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away December 29, 2019. He was born March 14, 1984 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Jimmy and Carol Stout. Brad was a jack-of-all-trades and could do anything. He was employed by Terminex and worked in residential and commercial construction. Brad had a heart for helping people with addiction recovery. He attended Victory Temple Ministries for personal recovery, and later joined forces to help build another location in Chicago, Illinois. Brad had a wonderful personality and never met a stranger. He loved the Lord with all his heart and wasn’t afraid to share his faith with anyone. Preceding Brad in death are his wife, Ashley Stout; son, Raymond James Stout; paternal grandparents, Howard and Alene Stout; and maternal grandparents, William and Ada Luter. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his parents, Jimmy and Carol Stout of Benton, Arkansas; sister, Molly Stout of Benton, Arkansas; nieces: Lydia Stout and Harper Grifford; many special aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, and friends who love Brad and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM with memorial service following at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Victory Temple Ministries at http://victorytemplerecovery.org/get-involved/ or by mailing donations to 5116 River Oaks Blvd River Oaks, TX 76114 Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Van Troy McManus, 86, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 1, 2020. He was born August 21, 1933 in Tulip, Arkansas to the late Calvin Bailey and Jurelia (Garrett) McManus. Van Troy proudly served in the United States Army and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He loved the Lord and was of the Methodist faith. Van Troy was a carpenter by trade and built furniture, bird houses, chicken coops, and many other wood projects. Over the years, he kept all kinds of animals including chickens, horses, goats, cows, and dogs. He also raised homing pigeons and participated in pigeon races. Some of Van Troy’s hobbies included gardening, fishing, playing guitar and harmonica, four-wheeling, and hunting. Preceding Van Troy in death are his parents; brother, Theron Garrett McManus; half-sister, Jessie Mae McManus Fox; and great-granddaughter, Abigail McManus. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of sixty-four years, Virginia McManus of Benton, Arkansas; children: Derek Shawn McManus and wife Gloria of Benton and Vanessa Susan Johnson and husband Randal of Benton; grandchildren: John Charles McManus, Annette Leann Duncan, and Derek Manuel McManus; great-grandchildren: Christopher Duncan and Mariah Duncan; and many more family members and friends who love him and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 7, with memorial service, officiated by Rev. Ben Crismon, 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.
Teena Lanette Luthultz, 63, of Haskell, Arkansas went to sleep on earth and woke up in heaven on January 1, 2020. She was born October 31, 1956 in Little Rock to the late Jackie and Marlene (Westbrook) Luthultz. Teena is remembered as a forever “hippie” who was a freebird, naturalist, and deeply spiritual. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, going to the river, listening to music, and being with family. She was the best Auntie to her nieces and nephews and was so much fun to hang around with. Teena was preceded in death by her parents; and grandmother who was so special to her, Marie Westbrook. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving companion of ten years, John Hoover of Haskell, Arkansas; daughter, Tabitha Shea Merriam and husband Adam of Canada; grandchildren: Benjamin and William Merriam; sisters: Terri Stone and husband Roland of Haskell, Arkansas and Tamra Collins and husband Chuck of McKinney, Texas; niece, Amanda Ellingston and husband Darrell of Haskell, Arkansas; nephews: John Bates and wife Michelle of Spring, Texas, Joseph Bates and wife Jessica of Germany, Derek Yacoub and wife Magna of Houston, Texas, Justin Collins of Austin, Texas, Tulsa Collins of Benton, Arkansas, and Caleb Collins and wife Cat of Conway, Arkansas; great nieces and nephews: Jadzia Bates, Makayla Bates, Liam Bates, and Isaiah Ellingston; and many more family members and friends who love Teena and will miss her always. Family to hold memorial service in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Charles Smothers, 86, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away comfortably at his home on January 4, 2020. Born in Arkadelphia on June 7, 1933, Charles graduated from Henderson State University and retired from the Arkansas Highway Department in the Right of Way Division. On November 21, 1956, Charles married the love of his life, Alyce Golding. They shared 63 years of love and family and raised their two children, Julie and Wesley, in Benton. After retirement they moved to Phoenix, Arizona to be near their son and his family. Together they enjoyed a vacation home in Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho where they developed a love for the mountains. Charles and Alyce traveled the world, he even kissed the Blarney Stone! Preceded in death by his son, Wesley Smothers; and his parents, Ralph and Bessie Smothers. He is survived by his wife, Alyce; daughter, Julie Hawkins; daughter-in-law, Debra Smothers; grandchildren: Kacey Hopson (Quincy), Spencer Hawkins (Taylor), Sophie Smothers and Claire Smothers; great grandchildren: Kaya and Annika Hopson, Lilah and Hadlee Hawkins. Visitation is Wednesday, January 8 at 1pm, Memorial Service at 2pm, both at Smith-Benton Funeral Home in Benton. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com
Donald Raymond Branscombe of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas born December 2, 1938 ~ died January 2, 2020 (age 81) No further details are available.
James Underwood of Alexander, Arkansas born January 15, 1961 ~ died January 3, 2020 (age 58) No further details are available.
Paulette Sheila Dix Roth, loving mother and Gram passed away on Sunday, January 5th at the age of 78. Paulette was born in Providence, Rhode Island on May 18, 1941 and graduated from Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California. Paulette was passionate about community and loved getting to know people in person and on Facebook. She loved family nights, babies, and eating. She was always an advocate for the “underdog.” Paulette was known for her feistiness, hilarious commentary, and good conversation. She is preceded in death by her mother & father, Lou and Sarah Dix, her daughter Andrea Roth, and her stepdaughters Robyn Roth (Rothdeutsch) and Danna Roth (Griego). Paulette is survived by her two brothers, Norman Dix (Valerie) and Elliot Dix; daughter Michelle Duze’ Finney (Roger), stepdaughter Staci Roth, and hand-picked daughter, Michelle Broadway (Keith); eleven grandchildren: BJ, Morgan, Kaley, Melissa, Taylor, Sidney, Samantha, Connor, Nick, Walker and Israel; and eleven great-grandchildren: Marley, Salem, Sofia, Evelyn, Fallyn, Abigail, Farrah, Liam, Christopher, Cooper and Nyomi; several cousins, nieces, and nephews, her dear friend Connie Covey, and a host of loving friends and extended family at Four Seasons Assisted Living in Benton, AR. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paulette’s name to CARTI Foundation (PO Box 55011 Little Rock, AR 72215) or Saline Health Foundation (1 Medical Drive Benton, AR 72015). A memorial service to celebrate Paulette’s life will be held on January 25, 2020 at :200pm at Four Seasons Assisted Living Center. 2407 Military Road, Benton, AR, 72015.
Elmer A. Kalinke, 99 of Hot Springs Village, AR passed away December 31, 2019. He was born on November 23, 1920 in Wisconsin to Herman and Ella (Krueger) Kalinke. Elmer was a World War II, United States Army veteran who proudly served from 1942-1945. He loved all sports, especially football. Preceded in death by his parents, son, Michael Kalinke; and brother, Walter Kalinke. Survivors include his beloved wife of 69 years, Lois Kalinke; son, Terry (Rochelle) Kalinke; grandchildren, Chad, Sara, Scott, Lisa, and Todd; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Shirley E. Smith, on January 1, 2020 went home to our Lord, joining Donald Smith (husband) of 65 years, that preceded her on August 31, 2014. Also preceded by both parents, Barney and Bertha Walston; brothers, William and James Walston; sons-in-law, Leonard Lawson, Cecil Buffington; and great-granddaughter, Courtney Beasley. Survived by their loving family, brother, Barney (Wanda) Walston; son, Ron (Karen) Smith; daughters, Cindy Lawson, Julie Buffington and Vickie Smith; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Special appreciation to all the staff of Dierksen Hospice for their loving care of both our parents and spiritual guidance of Pastor Billy Blackmon. Celebration of their lives is every day.
Kathleen Mabus, 71, of Hot Springs Village, passed away January 3, 2020. She was born August 4, 1948 in Elgin, Illinois, to the late Edwin and Ethel (Dakin) Cahill. Kathleen was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Women’s Guild. Loving surviors include her husband of almost 50 years, Lanny Mabus; daughters Joan DeSmith (Paul), Nanette Jones (Geoffrey), Sheryl Stark (Anton), and Jennifer Mabus (Benita); grandchildren Thomas, Andrew, Jason, Jarrod, Valerie, and Ryan; great-grandchildren Anara, Kahlan, Alexandra, Conner, Lauren, Lilyan, and Declan. A rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Catholic Church with a memorial mass following at 11:00 a.m. with Father Bill Elser serving as celebrant.
Carol G. Martin, 90, of Benton, passed away January 6, 2020. Born in Little Rock to Walter and Myrtle Henigan Grimmette, she retired from the Veterans Administration as an administrative assistant. She was a member of St. James United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David Paul Martin, and siblings, Thelma Reed and Seaborn Grimmette, she is survived by her son, Timothy Patrick Martin and wife, Vickie, of Alexander; grandchildren, Shawn Martin and Katherine Martin; great-grandchildren, Aly Bowers, Riley Martin, Linkoln Martin and Danielle Martin; and other family and friends. Services will be held on Thursday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 1:00, at Little Rock Funeral Home, followed by interment at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), (501)224-2200. Mrs. Martin’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
David Thomas Keegan Jr. 71, of Bryant, Arkansas left us for his heavenly home on January 3, 2020. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He loved his motorcycles taking cross country trips, spending time at the lake and trips to the beach. David was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. He served in the Vietnam War, had worked as an officer for the Little Rock Police Department then retired from the US Postal Service as a mail carrier. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Thomas Keegan Sr. and Eloise B. Keegan, and a sister Shirley Keegan Stacy. He is survived by three sisters, Elocile (George) Uran of Mayflower, Arkansas, Kathleen (Verdell) Pool of Poulsbo, WA., and Sherrie (Dwayne) Lackey of Benton, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers Josh Barclay, Brandon Lackey Chris Stacy, Jon Stacy Dave Uran and Jon Uran