Donald Melvin Gattin Sr., age 72, of Benton; passed away at Baptist Hospital on September 28, 2017. He was born on June 30, 1945. Donald was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran where he served aboard Nuclear Submarines. He was retired from the State of Arkansas and from Kroger. Donald was a loving husband & father, a hunter, and an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Gattin; brother, Robert Gattin and his mother-in-law, Radie Ann Floyd. Donald is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna Gattin; son, Donald Gattin Jr.; brother-in-law, Tony Floyd (Belinda); and his niece, Leigha Jones (Cody) all of Benton. A private family memorial service at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Robert Dewayne “Bob” Bumgardner, 70, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on September 28, 2017. Visitation will be held on October 2nd from 11:30-1:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home, Benton, Arkansas. A memorial service for family members will follow from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Bob was born on November 13, 1946 in England, Arkansas to William Z. and J. Marie (Miller) Bumgardner. Following his high school graduation, he was a student at the University of Central Arkansas until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He served proudly during the Vietnam Conflict and received his discharge in 1969. After his discharge, he resumed his studies at the University of Central Arkansas. It was during this time that he met and married Reita Norris on Oct 2nd, 1970. After receiving his M.Ed from Ouachita Baptist University, he taught HS English and Journalism for the Department of Defense Overseas Schools in Naples, Italy and Aviano, Italy. An avid reader and lover of history, Bob enjoyed living in Europe and took advantage of any opportunity to travel to a new place. He was fond of saying that he “always had to see what was over the next hill”. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife Reita Bumgardner (née Norris), two sons, William and April Bumgardner of Zionsville, Indiana, and Eric and Keirsten Bumgardner of Georgetown, Texas, and five grandsons: Jack, Alexander, Sean, Samuel, and Gabriel, as well as a sister, Debbie Petty (née Bumgardner) of Searcy, Arkansas and a brother, Randy Bumgardner, of Orlando, Florida.
Pamela Marie Seay, age 64, of Benton, passed away Saturday September 30, 2017. She was born October 26, 1952 in Portland, Oregon. Memorial services will be 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 4 at the Fellowship of the Cross Worship Center in Benton. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Linda Margret White, 70, of Benton, met Jesus face to face the morning of October 1, 2017. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Linda was surrounded by family and loved by all that knew her. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Carlton White; mother, Vera Anderson; father, Jewel Anderson and a brother, Dewell Anderson. Linda is survived by her dedicated, loving husband of 51 years, Larry White; two daughters, Caroline Martinez and Kellie Fowler (Matthew); three grandchildren, Nicole Aguilera (Rony), Courtney Tipple (Sean) and Justin Fowler and three great-grandchildren, Emily Aguilera, Eden Tipple and Seth Osborn. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 2 at Ashby Funeral Home. A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park.
Tracey Tarvin Patton passed away unexpectedly on September 30th, 2017 at her home in Bauxite, AR. Tracey was born on July 22nd, 1970 in Miami, FL, which was appropriate because she will always be known as “The Sunshine Girl”. She excelled in many things throughout her lifetime, but loving others was the most outstanding. She was bannered with numerous awards throughout high school, college, nursing school, and her careers, but her true legacy is the optimism, smile, laughter, compassion, and strength that she always radiated. She was passionately in love with her husband, Daryl Patton, and fiercely prideful and protective of her three children: Dylan, Austin, and Cameron. She loved her children so well and was first to sacrifice herself as well as encouraging them no matter the circumstances. She also put her heart and soul into every football program that she supported. She was the biggest and greatest Fayetteville Bulldog, Bauxite Miner, and Bryant Hornet fan you’d ever meet. She spent most of her career as a nurse and she put her whole heart into each patient’s life. She cared for people more than usual and would do anything to make someone happy. She was proceeded in death by Leo and Dana Galvin of Little Rock, AR as well as Joe and Opal Tarvin of North Little Rock, AR. She is outlived by her father Joe Tarvin and mother Carol Tarvin, her brother Mark Tarvin and his wife Sally Tarvin, her sister Leigh Maxwell and her husband Al Maxwell, her husband Daryl Patton, her daughter Dylan McWherter and her husband Taylor McWherter, her sons Cameron Vail and Austin Vail, her step-daughter Courtney Probst and her husband Nathan Probst, and her step-son Drew Patton, number of nieces and nephews, along with her fur babies Emmitt, Zeke, and her most cherished Gus. There will be a visitation at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton this Wednesday night from 6pm-9pm, and a Celebration of Life this Thursday at Midtowne Church in Benton from 10am-12pm. Memorial Donations can also be made to any First Security Bank in lieu of flowers or gifts, as well as through a GoFundMe account that has been created to help with funeral expenses and support during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who was a part of her precious life on Earth, and she will be remembered as free-spirited, unconditionally loving, and resilient. Please feel free to join us as we celebrate her life. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Garry Wear 66 of Tull, loving husband and father born February 26 1951 died at home on October 3, 2017. Proceeded in death his first wife Sara and daughter Rustina Lynne Wear, parents Howard and Josephine Wear. Survived by wife Anita, children Renee and Floyd Wear, Step child Ashley Flynn and grandchildren Rustina Faye and Rocco Wear. There will be a visitation at Ashby Furneral Home in Benton Friday October 6th from 6-8. Memorial service Saturday 7th at 3:30 Please join us in celebrating his life. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Augustus “AJ” Skinner, 85 of Lonsdale, passed away October 2, 2017. He was born February 24, 1932 in Oppelo, Arkansas to the late A.C. and Edna Viola Holt Skinner. AJ worked in Insurance and car sales. AJ was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lorene Pole. He is survived by his sons, Curtis (Dale) Skinner of Benton, Billy (Vicki) Skinner of Lonsdale and Charles (Gloria) Skinner of Lonsdale, brothers, Roy, Leo and Robert Skinner, sisters, Shirley Keilty and Agnes Knuckles, eight grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren and two great- great grandchildren, and also a special friend Elizabeth Ann Taylor. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7th at Ashby Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Minister will be Bro. Don McCutcheon. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
James Ross Mansfield, 84, of Benton, AR died on October 3rd surrounded by his family. He was born June 13, 1933, in Bauxite, AR to Clarence and Edna Bragg Mansfield. He attended Bauxite schools and graduated in the class of 1952. During his high school days, he played basketball, served as senior class treasurer and participated in the junior and senior high school plays. As a senior, he received the “Grand Award” for a project he made. The award was given by the Arkansas Industrial Arts Association. James enlisted in the Navy in 1953. On July 31, 1955, he married Wanda Sue Brown, his wife of 57 years. He returned to Bauxite and worked at Alcoa until starting college in the fall of 1957 after being honorably discharged from the Navy. James and Wanda also welcomed their first born, Renee Parker Dickins that year. He graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) with a B.S. degree in Industrial Education in 1961. In the spring of 1963, their son James Kevin Mansfield was born. He taught school in North Little Rock and Benton Public schools for twenty years. While in Benton, he started the industrial arts program in Jr. High. After two years, he moved to Benton Sr. High and began their industrial arts program. He served two years as assistant principal. In 1968-69, he was recognized as the Arkansas Industrial Arts Teacher of the year. After his teaching career, he worked for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department as their Safety Director. Once retired, James served on the Benton Planning and Zoning Commission for seventeen years and the Variance Board for eleven years. James was a member of the Bauxite Ole Timers and East Smith Street Church of Christ. He was inducted into the Benton Wall of Fame in 2008. In August of 2013, he married Naomi Mills Smith. He was inducted into the Bauxite Wall of Honor in 2016. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, hunting, fishing, and playing dominoes with friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sue Avaritt, brothers Curtis and Paul Mansfield, his wife Wanda Brown Mansfield, and brothers in law Dwight and Gary Brown. James is survived by his wife Naomi Mills Smith Mansfield, daughter Renee Parker Dickins (John) of Fayetteville, son James Kevin (Loretta) of Benton, and their children Clint and Clay McCool. His grandchildren, Brooke Parker Edwards (Jason) of Fayetteville, Creighton Ross Parker (Lauren) of Little Rock, and great grandson Brannon Ross Parker of Little Rock. He is also survived by stepchildren, Webster Jr., Reginald, Scott, Anthony, Jeffery Smith and Elizabeth Brennan. His four sister in laws, Jean Mansfield, Michelle Brown, Paula Mansfield, Theresa Brown, and brother in law Kenneth Avaritt and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Thursday, Oct 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of life honoring James will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, at 10:00 a.m.at Ashby Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mount Olive Cemetery. To visit the online guestbook go to www.ashbyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Bauxite Historical Association Museum, (BHAM) P.O. Box 245, Bauxite, AR, 72011, East Smith Street Church of Christ Mission Fund, 313 E. Smith St, Benton, AR 72015, or your favorite charity.
Robert Michael “Mike” Herter, age 70, of Hot Springs Village, passed away September 29, 2017 in Hot Springs, AR. He was born March 19, 1947 to Robert A. Herter and Margaret E. Bradley Herter in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Herter is preceded in death by his parents. Robert was an avid golfer and one year, held the record for the most rounds played, and he also loved to fish. He was a member of American Legion in Springfield, Illinois and DAV in Springfield. He is survived by his wife, Donna Branson Herter, two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” King (Dennis) of Springfield, Illinois, Patricia “Pat” Peters (Thomas) of Springfield, Illinois, one brother, Thomas Herter (Sally) of Hot Springs Village, AR, two nieces, three nephews and lots of cousins. Interment will take place at a later date at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Please make memorials to Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Foundation, 4301 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72205 and the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements were made under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home. Guest register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.
Judy Hobbs Lamb of Alexander, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 30, 2017 at the age of 74 years. Judy was born on July 5, 1943 in Fountain Hill, Arkansas to the late Holt C. Hobbs and Mildred Forrester Hobbs of Fountain Hill, AR. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Ann Lynch. She is survived by her husband, Robert Lamb of Bryant; one son, Eddie Lamb and wife, Misty of Hot Springs; daughters, Brooke Finley and husband, Sam of Little Rock; Faith Lamb of Bryant, Carol Alkire and husband, Mike of Bryant; sister, Becky Myers and husband, Ben of Brinkley; two brothers, Don Hobbs and wife, Martha of Texarkana, Ted Hobbs and wife, Louise of El Dorado; brother in law, Russell Lynch of Little Rock; grandchildren, Carson Lamb, Payton Carnahan and husband, Christian, Sawyer Lamb, Meredith Freeman, Preston Barker, Hope Barker, Judith “Lainey” Finley, Vivian “Vivi” Finley, Ty Finley, and Seth Alkire and wife, Megan; one adopted granddaughter, Lindsay Johnson-Carlisle; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Judy is a graduate of State Teachers College in Conway with a degree in Home Economics. Judy, known to many as “Ms. Judy”, was a successful business owner of Kiddie Castle Daycare Centers in Little Rock for many years. She served as a preschool and a kindergarten teacher and ended her teaching career at Roper Day Care as a director. Ms. Judy took great pride in watching children learn and do their best. Eating fruits, vegetables and nutritious foods was an important part of her daily curriculum. Nothing put a smile on her face like seeing a child clean their plate. She loved her home, and one of her greatest joys was to entertain by inviting her Sunday school class, family and friends over to eat and have fellowship. After the death of her mother in 2003, Judy’s home became the spot where her family would gather at Thanksgiving and other holidays. Judy served her Lord and Savior by serving on the Women’s Ministry at her church, Cornerstone Nazarene in Bryant, and organizing dinners for hundreds of people at district conventions. Judy always enjoyed delivering delicious home cooked meal to friends and family. More than anything, Judy loved being a mother and grandmother. It was her calling to make sure her children and grandchildren had every opportunity to succeed in their endeavors. Judy loved to watch her son, Eddie, coach high school basketball. In her eyes, Eddie’s team never lost…it was always a bad call by the referees. She was eagerly anticipating cheering for Eddie and her grandson, Sawyer, in their first game as a Lakeside Ram this fall. Judy loved to listen to her daughters, Brooke and Faith, sing in church, and put them in every local talent show when they were young. Judy was very proud of her daughter, Brooke, and her local business, Arkansas Dance Center. Judy was also very proud of her daughter Faith for choosing to be an elementary school teacher and enjoyed hearing her stories from the classroom and always offered her advice. She was proud that all of her children followed in her footsteps by becoming teachers and making a difference in the lives children, just as she did in her lifetime. She wants to remember her very special friends, Fran Billings, Barbara Manus, Lawanda Penfield, Nancy Spivey, Carol Buck, Liz Grafton, Brenda Sharp, and Sandi Bennett. Judy and her family are very thankful and appreciative of the amazing care she received at UAMS, especially her oncologist, Dr. Lydia Schaffer. She loved her pastor, Tim Evans, dearly and, together, they shared a passion of home cooked dinners. Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Sawyer Lamb, Preston Barker, and Special Friends: Craig Stamper, Scott Simmerman and her nephews Steve Lynch, Brandon Myers, Bradley Myers, and Tad Hobbs. Honorary Pallbearers include Seth Alkire Ty Finley. Celebration of life will be held at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Bryant, Arkansas on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. The visitation will be held at the church the night prior from 6-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene. To sign online guestbook, go to www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Catherine Lois Minor, 68 of Hensley, won her battle with breast cancer on October 2, 2017. She was born on June 1, 1949 to the late, Rev. L.C. and Elsie Felts. She loved listening to gospel music, talking about Jesus…..and THEN she found Facebook. She enjoyed connecting with friends and family. If you were her facebook friend, she liked and commented on everything you posted. She enjoyed calling the hogs, bragging on her grandchildren, singing with her children, in the choir and with the Southwest Gospel Singers in her younger years. She valued her career as a nurse for over 30 years. She is survived by her husband, Bill Minor; three children, Anthony (Rachel), Stephanie (Sonny) and Greg (Deborah); six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and two brothers, John and David Felts, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends A celebration of life will be held at East Union Missionary Baptist Church (20422 North Springlake Rd. Hensley, AR 72065) on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11:00AM with visitation one hour prior. To sign online guest book, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Charles Tate, 72, of Alexander passed away Saturday, September 30, 2017. He was born November 14, 1944 in North Little Rock to the late William and Mattie (Standridge) Tate. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol Tate and Great-grandson Delco Lee McArthur. He is survived by his three daughters, Debbie McArthur of Prattsville, Pamela Freeman of Oklahoma City, OK, and Tena Ravion of Haskell; eight grandchildren, Amanda Douthit, Charla Leslie, Steven Freeman, Scott Freeman, Jessica and Joey Handley, and Jennefer and Lee McArthur; and twelve great-grandchildren, Michael Handley, Vaeya Freeman, Hayzel Freeman, Lyla Freeman, Remy Freeman, Jack Handley, Trinity Brewer, Cash Brewer, Mikayla Douthit, Wayne Douthit, Dalton Douthit and Ethan Martinez. Graveside services will be Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton, AR (501-315-4047).
Ray Nolan Tedford of Benton passed away at his home on Saturday, September 30, 2017 after a long illness. He was 85 years old. His sweet smile and tender heart will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Ray was born on November 3, 1931 to Oliver Bert and Vera Stocks Tedford in Dardanelle, AR. He grew up in Bauxite, AR where he played football for the Miners and may have caused a little mischief. It was there that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Gene Green. Ray served as a Master Jumper with the US Air Force as a Pathfinder in the 1950’s and then worked at Alcoa Aluminum Co. for 28 years. He retired early and enjoyed his days playing golf at Longhills, working out at Fitness Unlimited, and volunteering at CJOHN and Meals On Wheels. He was a charter member of Highland Heights Baptist Church where he served faithfully until he became ill. The greatest joy of his life was his family – and they have never doubted it for a minute. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Vera Tedford; his brother, Burl “Curly” Tedford; his sisters, Ruth Tedford Harrell and Louise Tedford Richards; his granddaughter, Morgan Mize; and his great-granddaughter, Maddie Mize. Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gene Green Tedford; his brother, Robert Tedford (Myrlene) of Benton; his daughter Shelley Mize (John) of Spring, TX; his son, Gary Tedford (Susan) of Benton; his daughter, Laura McGhee (Tony) of North Little Rock; his 7 grandchildren, Megan Campos (Nathan), Danielle White (Matt), Amy Harrison (Bobby), Erin Calaway (Andrew), Josh Mize, Dustin Rhodes (Ashley), and Rindi Rhodes; his 11 great-grandchildren, Cade Campos, Jace Cook, Gray Mize, Abe Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Simone Harrison, Joni Calaway, Hannah Calaway, Helen Ray White, Max Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, and Zoey Morgan Mize on the way; and by his devoted caregiver and dear friend, Kitrina Fleeman. A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 3rd, 6-8pm at Roller Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 4th, 10am at Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Rev. Brian Moore and Rev. Bobby Harrison will speak. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
Jerry Little, age 69, of Benton went to be with our Lord Wednesday, October 4, 2017. He was born December 20, 1947 in Morrilton, Arkansas to the late Claud and May (Huett) Little. He is preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Little Dixon, and brothers, Hulon E. Little and David M. Little. Jerry was a 1966 graduate of Morrilton High, and a 1970 graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1971 (1st Calvary B 25 1971). He retired after 37 years from the Department of Finance & Administration Office of Field Audit as the Southwest Audit Tax Division Manager. Jerry was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton, the OLF Knights of Columbus 9396, and the 4th Degree Council 2316 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Survivors include his wife, Norma McCoy Little of Benton; son, Jeff (Jennifer) Little of Dardanelle; daughter, Jennifer (Donnie) Cupp of Morrilton; sister, Vivian Hill of Springfield; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Mary Little of Morrilton; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Olga McCoy of Benton; two brother-in-laws, J.R. McCoy and Steven (Denea) McCoy of Benton; and several nieces and nephews. A rosary will be held from 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 with a visitation to follow at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Little Rock led by Father Paul Worm. Serving as pallbearers are Mark Winchell, Mark McCoy, Jared McCoy, Lloyd Cambre, Matt McCoy, and Ed Vance. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to the OLF Knights of Columbus.
Thelma Lynn Shellnut, 78, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 29, 2017. She was born January 14, 1939 in Texas to the late James Brian and Mildred (Willey) Thompson. Thelma was a homemaker. She is remembered for being an amazing cook. Her family’s favorite was her famous peach cobbler. Thelma loved the Lord and was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church for twenty years. To say Thelma loved jewelry is an understatement. Through her purchases with QVC, she had enough inventory in clothing, shoes, and jewelry to open a store. Preceding Thelma in death are her loving husband of fifty-two years, Jimmie Carl Shellnut; parents; and sisters, Doreen, Dorothy, Mary Eva “Trixie”, and Juanita. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Tracie Byrd and husband Jeff of Little Rock; son, David Shellnut and wife Aimee of Arkansas; “special daughter”, Mindy Marano of Benton, Arkansas; five grandchildren: David Shellnut, II, Daniel Shellnut, Justin Byrd, Andrew Byrd, and Reid Byrd; four great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Dixon and husband L.C. of Alvarado, Texas; and extended family and friends who love Thelma and will miss her always. Memorial service will be held at 6:30 P.M., Monday, October 2, at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Shenandoah, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Robert “Bobby” Marion Pelton, 83, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 30, 2017. He was born July 31, 1934 in Benton to the late Marion Sanford and Rose Elizabeth (Rainey) Pelton. Bobby proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He was a member of Gideon International, Explorer Sunday School Class and Men’s Bible Study at First Baptist Church of Benton. Bobby worked as an Inventory Control Manager for 39 years at J.A. Riggs Tractor Company in Little Rock. He loved the Lord, was a loving husband, and a devoted father and grandfather. Bobby was an avid reader and enjoyed poetry. He was very well read and intelligent. Gardening was very dear to Bobby’s heart. His last project was planting a butterfly garden and haven for hummingbirds. He loved to visit with and encourage people. Bobby always had a song in his heart. Preceding Bobby in death are his parents; siblings: Hogan Pelton, Billy Hue Pelton, Norma Scott, Della Lee, and Stella Earney; and grandson, Shane Pelton. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Colleen Pelton of Benton, Arkansas; children: Sanford “Sandy” Pelton of Benton, Robert Pelton of Mayflower, Arkansas, Lisa Sterling and husband Timothy of Nixa, Missouri, Whitney Buck and husband Jerry of Benton, and Pamela Fuller and husband Allan of Little Rock; grandchildren: Scott Sterling, Caleb Pelton, Jon Thomas “J.T.” Pelton, Matthew Fuller and Mattie Grace Fuller; nieces and nephews; and a host of family members and friends who love Bobby and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Friday, October 6 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Clay Cunningham, will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online Guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Willie Clyde Trimm, 77, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away October 2, 2017. He was born May 29, 1940 in Dardanelle, Arkansas to the late Willie “Buster” Ishmal and Morene (Bledsoe) Trimm. Willie Clyde enjoyed hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a great man and was loved by all. Preceding Willie Clyde in death are his parents; granddaughter, Arianna Hansen; two brothers: Grover Trimm and Joe Trimm; step-mother, Eula Trimm; and step-sister, Pauline Shivers. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of almost thirty-three years, Druetta Trimm of Bauxite, Arkansas; son, David Trimm; three daughters: Jessica Trimm, Jennifer Trimm, and Crissa Jeffery and husband Chris all of Bauxite; eleven grandchildren: Ricky Trimm, Tyler Trimm, Jordan Trimm, Lauren Trimm and their mother, Regina Trimm, Joe Michael Barbosa, Jacob Barbosa, Jackson Barbosa, Jayden Jeffery, Brookelynn Jeffery, Bradyn Jeffery, and McKenzie Jeffery; four sisters: Gloria Longworth of Texas, Cleva Michael and companion Robert Jones of Benton, Arkansas; Rosie Halpain of Donaldson, Arkansas; and Nelda Harmon of Benton, Arkansas; two step-brothers: George Shivers of Benton, Arkansas and Allen Shivers and wife Lavette of Bryant, Arkansas; and a host of extended family and friends who love Willie Clyde and will miss him always. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Jeanette L. Martin, 97, of Benton went to be with the Lord September 25, 2017. She was born in Gurdon, Arkansas on September 21, 1920 to Marcus and Katherine Lowe. Jeanette loved her Bible, sewing, flowers, dancing, music, crocheting and her dog, Minnie Pearl. She was a remarkable woman who loved volunteering at the Food Pantry, the Rice Depot and Meals on Wheels. Jeanette had four brothers and a husband that served our country in World War II. Her talent of sewing let her travel around the country making uniforms for the soldiers. Jeanette was honored with being the first female elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Women. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; Jerry Martin, daughter; Mary Katherine (Kathy) Griggs, four brothers; Roy, Ralph, Marcus, and Peter John Lowe, and two aunts; Molly Sawyer, Belle Merkel. Jeanette is survived by two granddaughters; Kimberly and Heather Griggs, great grandson; Michael Tyler Dickinson, chosen granddaughter; Jannine, son-in-law; Clarence (Skeeter) Griggs, grandson-in-law; John Michael Dickinson and numerous nieces and nephews. A family visitation will be held at 2 pm on Friday, September 29, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 501 North East Street, Benton, Arkansas with a Memorial service following at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Jeanette’s name to Camp Peniel, 83 Camp Peniel Lane, Solgohachia, Arkansas 72156. Please share your memories of Jeanette at www.dignitymemorial.com/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park
Ruth Butler Johnson of Benton, 100 years old, passed away at her home Tuesday, October 3, 2017. She was born May 19, 1917 to Oregon Benjamin Butler and Elsie Ruth Kline Butler of Ethel, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, James Kline Butler of Dewitt, O.B Butler, Jr. of Ethel, two sisters, Bernice Butler Chavez of Miami, FL, Polly Butler Tinsley of Conway, and one son, Dale Butler Johnson of Little Rock, AR. Survivors are three children, Lloyd Scott Johnson (Robin) of Maine, Sandra Johnson of Benton, AR, and Ann Johnson Walker (Don) of Benton, AR, five grandchildren Tracy (Danny) Paul, Jennifer Walker, Valerie (Richard) Glasgow, Sarah Johnson, Adam Johnson; Six great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, two brothers, Robert E. Butler of Hot Springs Village, George E. Butler (Dorothy) of Conway, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, South Pulaski Co. Retired Teachers Association, Saline Co. Retired Teachers Association, and Red Hat Society. She was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church before moving to Benton and then became a member of Salem United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church or to a charitable organization of your choice. Rev. Carlton Cross will conduct the memorial service at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR, on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11:00 a.m.