Sam Barnes was born June 23, 1940 in Moorefield, Arkansas to Gerald and Ruth Barnes. He graduated from Little Rock Tech in 1958. On March 4, 1961 he married the former Jean Hester. Sam was a former Benton Police Officer and Fleet Manager for Bale Chevrolet. He enjoyed working and never met a stranger. He spent countless hours in his workshop where he made numerous valuable pieces for his family to treasure. He also enjoyed fishing, coin collecting and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Ruth Barnes. Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (Hester) Barnes, son, Jerry Barnes (Alexander, AR), his daughter Karen (Barnes) Smith and Son in Law, Joel Smith (Bryant, AR); three grandchildren, Sara Coker (Fayetteville, AR), Brandon Smith and wife Cassie (Portland, OR) and Sydney Smith (Denver, CO), brother in law and sister in law, Edwin and Linda Hester. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, October 30 at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W Narroway St, Benton, AR with Reverend Kim Hammer officiating. Burial will follow at Forrest Hills Cemetery, 10200 AR-5, Alexander, AR. Visitation will be Sunday, October 29 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
Anne Cosgrove, age 89, of Hot Springs Village, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017. She was born February 1, 1928 in Wellsville, New York, to William Richard and Mary Rogenmosier Hughes. Anne was a well- loved woman who lived her life serving and loving others. She and her first husband, Ross were co-founders of The Bridge House in Hot Springs Village. She was a devoted bridge player, even receiving the title of “Life Master” in duplicate bridge. She was a very active member of The Village Bridge Club and ACBL. Anne was a fabulous cook and could make the most exquisite meals. She will be remembered for her loving heart and kind gestures towards people she met all throughout her lifetime. She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Rossiter Mullaney, her second husband, Tom Cosgrove; a daughter, Colleen Fisher; one sister, June Shafer. Anne is survived by her son, Mike Mullaney and his wife, Sharon; her daughter, Maureen McDonald, and five grandchildren. A mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Father Bill Elser officiating. Interment will follow in CedarVale Cemetery.
Korey Withrow, age 29 of Bryant, passed away on October 25, 2017. He was born on December 9, 1987 to Matthew and Senda Withrow in Benton, Arkansas. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 11:00AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. To sign online guest book, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
James Talmadge (Tal) Thweatt of Benton passed away unexpectedly from heart failure on Tuesday October 24, 2017. Tal was born December 14, 1957 to the late Jim and Sue Thweatt. Tal was raised in Little Rock where he attended public schools and graduated from Hall High School in 1976. He also graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1980. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Wesley Thweatt. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Thweatt of Benton, Their daughter Jennifer Carter, husband Curtis and three grandchildren, Abigail, Elizabeth, and Jonathan all of Bryant, Brother Bob Thweatt of Maumelle, Sister Sally Patterson, husband Brandon and nephew Zach of Franklin, TN. He has been an employee of the State of Arkansas since 1981. He worked in various departments, most recently in the Office of Long Term Care as a Life Safety Inspector. He married Marilyn on April 11, 1992, they lived in Bryant and later Benton. He attended Midtowne Church in Benton. He was called Papa by his grandchildren whom he loved so very much. He was ever present at Softball, Swimming, Baseball and Basketball games in which they played. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 27, 2017, with Pastor Doug Pruitt officiating. Family Visitation preceding at 9:00 AM. Private Inurnment will follow at Mount Harmony Cemetery in Haskell, AR. In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
Janelle Straley, 81, of Benton passed away, Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at her home. She was born March 21, 1936 in Malvern, AR to the late Leo Turner and Carmel Mitchell Boals. Mrs. Straley was a secretary for Benton Services Center for many years and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Elaine McClennahan and husband Terry and one son, Joseph Dale Rigsby all of Benton; three sisters, Laverne Boshears (Stanley) of Malvern, Sue Witham (Bill) of Benton, and Joyce Hendricks (Fuller) of Lake Catherine; two brothers, Leon Turner (Rita) of Malvern and David Turner (Judy) of Palestine, TX; grandchildren, Erin Baxter (Jonathan) and Scott McClennahan of Benton, Christa Rigsby and Brandy Renee Bluemel of Texas, and Josh Donnelly and Heather Rigsby of Benton; 15 great-grandchildren, and special friends Linda McLemore and Barbara Hamby. A time of visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Spring Creek Baptist Church with funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Terry Parrish officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church, Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House, and/or Alzheimer’s Arkansas. The family would like to say a special thank you to those who helped take care of our mother the last few years especially those at Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House.
Charles, N. Huthmaker Sr. age 82 of Benton went to be with the Lord Saturday October 28, 2017 after a long battle with heart disease. He was born December 3, 1934 to the late Roland T. Huthmaker Sr. and Freida Brown Huthmaker in Cleveland, Ohio. Chuck graduated from Biloxi High School, Perkinston Junior College and Penn State University. He was a 35-year employee of Alcoa and retired from Bauxite plant as senior electrical designer in 1991. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton and the Men’s Sunday School Class. He loved music and was a soloist, director, and a part of various church musical groups through the years. He is preceded in death by his parents, step mother Irene Whichard Huthmaker, sister Doris Huthmaker Kelly, and brother Russell Huthmaker. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Florence (Flo) Huthmaker of Benton; children, Charles Huthmaker Jr. (Stacy) of Chesapeake, VA, Thomas Huthmaker Sr. (Martye) of Severn, MD, John Huthmaker (Colleen) of Benton, AR. Cheryl Carlson (Steve) of Watertown, WI, Debra Fogelsong (Tom) of Naperville, IL, Carolyn Harris (Mark) of Leechburg, PA, the mother of his children Arlene Huthmaker of Leechburg, PA, two step sons, Thomas Cunningham (Marilyn) of Traskwood ,AR, and Jeffrey Cunningham (Robin) of Jonesboro, AR; brother, R.T( Buddy) Huthmaker Jr. (Dixie) of Duluth, GA; sister in law, Terry Huthmaker of Brunswick, OH; seventeen grandchildren, three, great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends that will cherish his memory. The family wants to thank Arkansas Heart Hospital and Clinic, the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic and Saline Memorial Hospice House for the love and care Chuck received during his illness. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) with Pastor Steve Carlson officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the funeral home chapel.
Kathy Jean Richards, 60, of Benton passed away Friday, October 27, 2017 unexpectedly at home. She was born February 11, 1957 in Benton to the late Alfred and Kathleen (Pumphrey) Clark. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bob Clark. Survivors include her son, Ricky Richards and wife Crystal Hall-Richards; daughter, Stephanie Richards; sister, Peggy Pendergrass and husband Terry; brother, Alan Clark and wife Phyllis; four grandchildren, Brandon Hall, Mason Richards, Brayden Richards and Maddox. Kathy was a loving mother and friend to many people, her pride and joy in life were her grandchildren. ”When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries.” Native American Proverb A graveside service will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 11:00 am.
Joseph Paul Pitts, 69, of Benton, Arkansas passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. Joseph Paul was born on May 26, 1948 in Opelika, Alabama to the late James Herbert Pitts and Petrina Ann Misuraca. Joseph Paul is survived by his loving wife of 20 years Louise Pitts; two daughters: Patrina Steinsiek and husband Mark of Tennessee, and LaKrisha Harp and husband Justin of Hot Springs; four sons: Logan Pitts of Missouri, Brandon Pitts and wife Haylee of Missouri, Jonathon Badgett and wife Amanda of Bauxite, and Christopher Beckham of Traskwood; grandchildren: Jordon, Addie, Haleigh and Jasper Badgett, Sierra, Chris and Eris Beckham, Daphne and Lily Harp, Kaleb, Kaynan and Sophia Pitts; brother, Jim Pitts and wife Patti of California; sister, Rebecca Pitts; and a host of extended family and friends who love Joseph Paul and will miss him always. Memorial service, officiated by Bro. Eddie Kitchens, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2017 at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 810 West Hazel Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Kimberly Johnson Selig, 52, departed this life October 27, 2017 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Born August 7, 1965, in Blytheville, Arkansas, Kim attended school and graduated from Stuttgart High School. She continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas earning a degree in Marketing Communication. She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Survivors include her loving husband, Patrick (Rick) Selig of Bryant; two daughters, Erica Brady of Benton and Kendall Selig of Bryant; and granddaughter, Avery Brady. Also surviving are her parents, Mary Ann and Tom Spann of Benton and Bob and Betty Johnson of Hot Springs Village; one sister, Staci (Barton) Freeman of Dallas; three stepsisters: Debby Spann (Charlie) Schanen of Beeville, TX, Cathi Spann Smith of Houston, and Christina Spann (Joe) Perez of Portland, TX; mother-in-law, Mary Selig of DeWitt, and sister-in-law, Lyla (Roy) West of DeWitt. She also leaves an extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Kim spent most of her work life in medical office management in Stuttgart, Bryant, and Little Rock. Most recently, she was a medical software consultant for E-Med Apps. Kim’s family was very important to her. A soccer mom for 19 years, Kim loved to watch their daughters play. She attended their games and supported them from the sidelines from their preschool soccer days through middle school and high school soccer, and at the Division I College level as they progressed. Soccer trips with the teams and their parents were among her fondest memories. She also loved watching movies and eating popcorn with Rick, Erica, and Kendall. Kim was a creative person, placing first in the Grand Prairie Arts Festival for her painting at age 10. Through the years she made elaborate birthday cakes for their daughters of their favorite characters and activities; she played in several community theater productions including the role of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. She decorated soccer lockers, handcrafted gifts, made quilts, and designed wedding decorations to add beauty and her personal touch to others’ lives. In lieu of flowers or memorials, Kim asked that those funds be spent with your family watching a movie and eating popcorn. Reception visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, November 3, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton. Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Scott Patton, held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 4 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Russell Duane Duckworth, 53, went to be with the Lord October 27, 2017. He was born on October 28, 1963 in Springfield, Missouri to Sheldon and Norma Duckworth. Russell loved his family, especially his three girls, they enjoyed many family movie nights. He had an obsession with Mini Coopers, a very corny sense of humor, enjoyed traveling, camping and being outdoors. Russell was a big collector, he would search high and low to find what he was looking for and if you collected something he knew about, he would shop for you too! When the girls were young he would buy Littlest Pet Shoppe Sets for them online, as they grew too old for the toys, he was still collecting them, and he was also a big Super Hero fan. Russell loved his church, he was a member of the Church of Christ on Mabelvale Pike. Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his grandmother; Minnie Johns. He is survived by his loving wife; Samara Duckworth, two daughters; Rachel and Sammi Jo, one sister; Shelena Vannattan and a host of loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held for Russell at Church of Christ Mabelvale Pike, Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm we will have a Memorial Service at Cable Ridge Church of Christ in Edwards, Missouri where Russell grew up. Please share your memories of Russell at www.dignitymemorial.com/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park.com
Kenneth H. Kraft, 73, of Bryant, passed away October 26, 2017. Born in Ionia, Michigan to Perry H. Kraft and Helen M. Brannon Kraft, he was a member of Parkview Christian Church. He retired from Muswick Beverage Company. Kenneth devoted his time and talents to the Senior Center at Bishop Park on Boone Road, where he will be missed. He was also a charter member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club. He is survived by his brothers, Richard A. Kraft (Karen) of Benton and David L. Kraft (Sylvia) of Bryant; nephew, Kevin L. Kraft (Nicole); nieces, Shawna Brisbin (Mike) and Shayla Bailey (Erik); six great-nieces and one great-nephew; companion, Margaret Webb; and a host of other family and friends, especially the members of Parkview Christian Church. Visitation will be Sunday, October 29 from 3-5 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). The graveside service will be Monday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Kenneth’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.