Homer Earl Carter, age 67, of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019. He was born July 12, 1952 in Bastrop, Louisiana. Homer retired after 41 years from the Union Pacific Railroad where he was a conductor and he was a member of Mt. View Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, A. B. Carter, Jr. and Lucile Wynn Carter. He is survived by his wife of 47 ½ years, Linda Carter; son, Bryan Carter; daughter, Kelly Carter; two grandsons, Austin and Dustin Carter; granddaughter, Baylor McElhaney; two sisters, Beverly Parker (Mike) and Margaret Wynn (Mickey) and many nieces & nephews. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 13 at Ashby Funeral Home. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Family Comments: He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors and was an avid turkey & deer hunter.
Margaret F. Thompson, age 81, of Benton, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019. She was born March 24, 1938 in Picayune, Mississippi. Margaret was retired from the Harmony Grove School District where she was over the food service and was the owner and operator of Ms. Margaret’s Day Care. She was a faithful member of Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and coordinated the food pantry. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward A. Powers, Sr.; mother, Margaret Barnes Repass; brother, Edward A. Powers, Jr.; sister, Mary Augusta Powers and a daughter, Dorothy A. Thompson. Margaret is survived by six children, Debra A. Castillo (Claudio), Lee Dyess (Tusa), Mary E. DeBord (Bob), Dienece Dayton (Robert), Susan Beets (Nelson) and Jody F. Tuiolemotu (Samson); sister, Tennie Sala; ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14 at Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Ten Mile Cemetery. Bro. Bob Wiegel will be officiating. Family Comments: Margaret loved her children and her church family. She was a gifted cook who loved to feed people not only physically but spiritually. Her calling in life was to make sure no child went hungry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry.
Charles Eugene (Super Joe) Collins, age 75, of Benton, passed away Sunday December 8, 2019. He was born December 4, 1944 in Bauxite, Arkansas. Joe was a U. S. Navy Veteran and retired from Reynolds Metal. He was a member of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, the VFW and a Mason. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Alford & Erma Collins; two sisters, Marge Brewer and Mary Elizabeth Collins and two brothers, Alford Jr. and George Collins. He is survived by his wife of 53 ½ years, Sharon Collins; two sons, Doug Collins (Jeanna) of Benton and Kevin Collins (Francie) of Massena, New York; three daughters, Tamara Dufresne (John) of Bedford, Indiana, Cammie Baker of Benton and Debbie McKinney (Virgil) of Katy, Texas; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jayce Lanning, Devin Collins, Ryan Hilton, Billy Price, Steve Chambers, Trevor Williams and Jay Messick. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Arkansas Fox & Wolf Hunter Association and the members of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 13 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Bro. Zack Stringer will be officiating.
Infant Graham Parker Rooks of Bryant went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2019. He was born on December 3, 2019 in Little Rock. Graham is survived by his parents, Joshua Rooks and Lindsey Huckaby Rooks, Bryant; grandparents, Jeff and Rhonda Huckaby, Alexander; Todd and Danna Cotten, Benton; great-grandparents, Gerald and Peggy Rooks, McCrory; Keith and Vickie Barnett, McCrory; Carol Russell, Bryant; Loal and Ann Cotten, Benton; Betty Cory, Bryant; aunt, Taylor Huckaby, uncles, John and Jacob Rooks. Church services will be 1:00 PM Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church with burial at Fairplay Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Mike Titsworth. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Polly Evelyn Beachem, 84 of Benton, passed away on December 10, 2019. She was born on November 23, 1935 in Rockdale, Texas to the late Shelby and Evelyn Dymke Smith. Polly was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Jimmy and Shelby Guin Smith. Polly is survived by her husband, Ralph Beachem, Jr. sons, David (Liz) Beachem of Ashippun, Wisconsin, Jim (Sue) Beachem of Woodstock, Georgia, grandson, Ryan Beachem and sister, Jo Nell Quinton. Private Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Saline County Humane Society, Pet Rescue of your choice or the St. Jude’s Children Hospital. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Edward Summerville, 68, Mabelvale, died Wednesday. He was born on April 2, 1951 to the late James Samuel and Ada Barnes Summerville. Survivors, son, Kevin (Alisha) Summerville, daughters, Gloria (Scotty Miller) Summerville, Amy (Nate) Myers, fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at a later date. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Leslie Charles Payne, 72 of Alexander, passed away on December 13, 2019. He was born on January 13, 1947 in Great Bend, Kansas to the late Leslie E. and Irene G. Collins Payne. Leslie was a member of New Haven Missionary Baptist Church and led the devotional every Sunday. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Leslie is survived by his wife, Marilyn Payne of Alexander, son, Lonny (Shelley) Payne of Benton, daughter, Traci (Alan) Fox of Little Rock, grandchildren, Chris, Katelyn, Chase, one great grandchild, Reese, sister, Elsie Kandt of Kansas. A Memorial Service will be 10:00 AM on Monday, December 16th at New Haven Missionary Baptist Church on Lawson Road with Rev. John Bagby and Rev. Roger Taylor officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice, New Haven Missionary Baptist Church or Haven House, 25 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights Missouri 63043. Family comments: Leslie was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Stephen McFarland 59, passed away on December 9, 2019. He was born on July 25, 1960 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Marion and Julia McFarland. Stephen loved to fish, hunt, and attend rock concerts. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family the most, and was an employee of Kimberly Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister Terry Vardaman. Stephen is survived by his four sons; Curtis McFarland “Amanda”, Michael McFarland “Melissa”, Daniel McFarland, and Joseph McFarland; four grandchildren, Jayden, Paige, Bailei, and River; two sisters; Cindy and Susan; five brothers, M.F., David, Jerry, Timmy, and John; best friends Jay and George; and a host of other family and friends who all loved him dearly and will miss him very much. Celebration of life will be Thursday December 19, 2019 from 1-2 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. To sign guestbook, please visit www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Dr. Joseph Leon Martindale, Sr., 88, of Benton passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019. He was born May 25, 1931 in Emmett, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Betty Martindale. Survivors include two sons, Dr. Joseph Leon Martindale, Jr. of Boulder, Colorado and Dr. Mark Alan Martindale (Cindy) of Benton, Arkansas; one daughter, Suzanne Marie Martindale of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Heather Wuebbels (Scott), Chad Taylor, Christopher Martindale (Hannah), Ashley Martindale, Garrett Taylor (Taylor), and Alexis Taylor; and special friend, Jan Brooks. Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 in the Worship Center of First Baptist Church of Benton with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. Interment with military honors to follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. A time of visitation will begin two hours prior to the service at 12:30 p.m. in the Selph Hall of First Baptist Church of Benton. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Lou Ann Kingston went home to Jesus on December 12, 2019 at age 81. She was born on October 13, 1938 in Halliday, Arkansas. Her mother, Geneva Noel Kingston, died 4 days later. Lou Ann lived with her grandfather and grandmother, Cull and Virginia (Jen) Noel; her Uncle Purvis and Aunt Marie Noel; and her first cousins, Scottie and Judy Noel in their home attached to The Noel Grocery Store in Halliday, population 100. She lived the first 47 years of her life in Halliday. At age 10, Lou Ann was injured in a school bus wreck and was not expected to live due to a tramatic brain injury. She was rushed to Memphis and underwent emergency brain surgery by a visiting New York brain specialist. She was in a comma for 3 months. Four generations of Lou Ann’s family have raised her, taken care of her needs and wants, and loved her. 1st generation: grandmother and grandfather, Jen and Cull Noel 2nd generation: aunt and uncle, Marie and Purvis Noel 3rd generation: 1st cousin and her husband, Scottie and Leroy Stevens 4th generation: 2nd cousin and her husband, Susan and John Wilson Lou Ann’s community and church were also a huge part of her life. Purvis, Marie, and Lou Ann moved to Benton in 1985. That same year Lou Ann began attending the Civitan School, a school for developmentally disadvantaged preschool and adult students. Shortly after that, she moved into the Civitan Group Home where she enjoyed an active social life. She participated in Special Olympics for many years. Civitan Services was such a blessing for Lou Ann. Lou Ann moved to Arkansas Health Center in 2018. She received excellent care from Dr. Hill and the Willow Court staff. Lou Ann felt loved. She was known for her sense of humor and singing what she called “old, old songs” (gospel hymns). Lou Ann loved to sing the hymns she learned as a child growing up. She was a lifelong member of New Liberty Baptist Church and graduate of Marmaduke High Shcool. Whenever she saw someone she did not know, her standard greeting was, “Hello, my name is Lou Ann Kingston, and I was in a bus wreck when I was 10 years old. What is your name?” She had a very outgoing personality. Lou Ann was preceded in death by Scottie and Leroy Stevens (Benton, AR), Geneva Noel Kingston, Purvis and Marie Noel, Scott and Opal Noel, Cull and Jen Noel (Halliday, AR). Lou Ann is survived by her cousins, the Pilzs: Judy and Jennifer (Columbia, MO), John (Licking, MO), Chris (Waynesville, MO), and Kerry (Boonville, MO) and her cousins, the Wilsons: Susan (Benton, AR), Aaron (Cary, NC), Christie and Julie (Benton, AR). Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main, Benton, AR. On Thursday, December 19, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 2307 West Kingshighway, Paragould, AR, visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with the interment to follow at New Friendship Cemetery, 421 Greene 519 Road, Paragould, AR. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Civitan Services, P.O. Box 368, Benton, AR 72018. Lou Ann will be missed dearly. Everyone enjoyed her singing, which she loved. She was a blessing to many. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Clarence Ervin “Buddy” Fuller, 83, passed away December 12, 2019 in Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He was born December 12, 1936 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Denver Ervin Fuller and Flossie Mae Caldwell Fuller Johnson. Buddy bravely served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War while stationed in Guam. He had a passion for cars, and worked in the automotive industry for over 40 years in sales and service, primarily in Arkansas and Louisiana. Buddy enjoyed fishing, woodworking, horse racing, watching football and WWE. He was a die-hard Arkansas Razorbacks and New Orleans Saints fan. Buddy was incredibly creative; he enjoyed crafting board games, lamps, porch swings, rocking chairs, lamps, squirrel feeders, and so much more. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and enjoyed visiting over a cold brew, and his favorite brand of beer was Miller Lite. He was a rough and tough Marine, but he had a tender heart and an incredible soft spot, especially for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved and missed his Arkansas roots, where he always felt most at peace. His family and friends will miss his incredibly witty sense of humor, talking about football and cars, watching him light up as he showed his woodworking projects, telling stories, and heartily enjoying huge helpings of fried catfish and shrimp. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepfather, Albert Johnson, his two brothers, four sisters, two step-brothers, and one step-sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ann Fuller, his son, John Fuller and daughter-in-law, Jane, grandchildren; Amanda Nicole Fuller-Snow, and Johnathon “Lee” Fuller II, great grandchildren; Hunter Michael Simpson, Madison Elizabeth Simpson, Noah Christopher Snow, Payton Danielle Snow, and Hayden Elizabeth Fuller, along with many nieces and nephews–all of whom meant the world to him. A time of visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2019 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main St. Benton, Arkansas. Interment with military honors will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. Serving as pallbearers are Johnathon Fuller, Sr., Johnathon “Lee” Fuller II, Hunter Simpson, John Ott, Mark Hardin, and Gene Hall. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Jimmy Rex Wahl went to rest in his heavenly home on the morning of December 9th after a long service-related illness. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen and his father Charles. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Wahl (nee Doddridge), his children, Kim Mitchell (Dennis), Rhonda Stane (Brent), Marcus Wahl (Destiny), TinaLavon Cyr (Mark), and Tammy Cline (Gene), his grandsons Colby, Devin, Nikolas, Brandon, Michael, and Jonathan, his granddaughters Renee and Sydney, his great-granddaughter Olivia, and his siblings Dee Coyle (Jim), Darlene Todd (Clint), Teddy Wahl (Linda), and Marilyn Garner (Allen). He was born in Niangua, Missouri and raised in Marshfield, Missouri where he first enjoyed his lifelong love of hunting and fishing. He left Marshfield to join the Navy in which he served with distinction in the Patrol Boat, River unit in Vietnam and was proud of his time after the war on the Essex. He transferred his service to the Seabees in the Navy Reserve from which he retired. He worked as a master plumber, retiring from the Benton Health Center. His wicked sense of humor and fierce loyalty to his friends, deer camp buddies, and family enriched the lives of all who were fortunate to share time with him. He will be remembered for pranks, wisdom, reliability, and long, slow stories to which we would hang on for hours. A Funeral Service will be Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton. Visitation will begin an hour prior to service time at 12:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will be in Traskwood Cemetery in Traskwood. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Norman Keith Martin, 89, of Hot Springs Village passed away in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was born September 1, 1930 in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Delmar and Virginia Lyons Martin. He was a veteran, and an Actuary at State Farm Insurance. Norman was a member of Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church. Norman’s kind heart and genuine character was illustrated each day with every interaction. He was the type of person that when he asked how you were, he did so with such sincerity and compassion that you’d find yourself explaining the past month of your life. His wholesome and patient nature made the world around him a better place. He was simply superb. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Nelson Martin; one son, N. K. Martin (Tricia); two daughters, Jana Martin (Mark) Hines and Lara A. Martin; nine grandchildren, Eric Martin, Brittany Martin, Damian Martin, Cruz Martin, Quinn Martin, Cash Martin, Colt Martin, William Hines, and Robert Hines; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Don (Joan) Martin, Bernard (Sue) Martin, and Richard (Jackie) Martin; and one sister, Candace (John) Hunter. A memorial service with military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Kirk in the Pines 275 Asturias Dr, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Attica, Indiana at a later date. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Don Austin Robbins, 89, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Little Rock. He was born to the late Franklin Austin Robbins and Thalma Estell in Hot Springs, Arkansas on September 4, 1930. He was a member of Church of God Central Arkansas. He retired from construction and remodeling. Previous employment included printer-typesetter for the Arkansas Gazette, San Antonio Express, Commercial Appeal (Mphs), Pine Bluff Commercial, and International Graphics. Don was also employed by Fausett Company as a Real Estate Representative. Don was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting until the last few years of life. He is preceded in death by his parents, and by a son, Don Lyndall Robbins. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ellen; son, Craig (Sharon); four grandchildren, Melissa Drennan, Kyle, Christopher, and Matthew Robbins; and great-grandchildren, Gage, Cassidy, London, and Ryder. A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home with Bro. John E. Beasley officiating. A reception and time of fellowship will follow for family and friends. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. The family would like to extend a thank you to Baptist Hospital, Baptist Hospice, and all the nurses in the neurosurgery unit 5A for their compassionate and loving care of Don. https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/
Liane Francis Goodwin (Hoolsema), born January 2, 1949, died in Benton, AR on December 8, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Liane felt called to serve. When discussing arrangements for her, we were asked what word would best describe our mother. Her daughter Kimberly replied, “patriot”. It is a very fitting term. As a teenager in California, she was a member of the California Young Democrats and was particularly active during the 1966 gubernatorial election. In 1967, she enlisted in the US Marine Corps to support the president and the war in Vietnam. That’s how she met our father, a Navy corpsman at the same base in North Carolina. She left the Marines shortly after and later became a lifetime member of the Women Marines Association. After marriage, she shifted her energies to the communities where we were stationed. While our father was serving in Vietnam, she volunteered at the USO in San Francisco supporting service members going to and from the war. At Naval Station Treasure Island, CA, she helped organize parents to successfully advocate against the Navy’s plan to close the base elementary school and bus students across the bridge to another part of San Francisco. She became an activist for preserving the cultural history of the base, most notably the “Fountain of Western Waters in the Court of Pacifica” and other monuments from the 1936 Golden Gate International Exposition. She also organized events to raise money for the base Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund for sailors and Marines. Her favorite was the annual haunted house. After her children grew up and joined the military themselves (Kim joined the Navy, her son John became a Marine), she became active in politics during Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign and after the election, she moved to Washington, DC to work in his administration. Her first role was in the Commerce Department and later she moved to the Office of Presidential Correspondence, where she met Ray Goodwin – a man who shared her love of politics. She loved working there and seeing all of the things people send to the President. At the end of Clinton’s second term, she worked for Senator Harry Reid and later Senator Robert Byrd until she retired. Liane and Ray married on Saint Patrick’s Day, 2004 in Washington DC and eventually moved to Benton, AR after Ray’s retirement from the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms. As kids, she took us with her to polling places where she volunteered as an election judge. Growing up, we would talk about political issues both local and national. It was important to her that we know and care about what was going on in the world. She instilled in us the importance of voting and we spent many hours talking on the phone on election nights, discussing the results. She was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan (although she later adopted the Nationals as well, Go Nats!) She loved talking about baseball – even when her teams struggled – and was elated when the Giants finally won the World Series. She loved music and holidays, especially Christmas time. Listening to her sing Christmas carols while decorating was always a joy. Her favorite band her entire life was the Beatles, starting as a teenager as president of the San Mateo Beatles Fan Club. It is entirely fitting that she died on the anniversary of John Lennon’s death. Some of her happiest times were with her husband, Ray. They loved walking on the Georgetown towpath, taking day trips to places such as the 9/11 Memorial in Shanksville PA and Smithsonian Museums around DC, visiting historic sites such as Mount Vernon and Civil War battlefields and simply sitting together enjoying her favorite TV Show “NCIS”. Ray was her soulmate and her children are thankful for his loving care during the final years of her life. We would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to the staff of Saline Memorial Hospital and especially to Mendy Barnes. Thank you Mendy for your kindness, compassion and incredible professionalism. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Her cremains will be spread in California, where her mother and grandmother were laid to rest. She wanted to be scattered somewhere beautiful with trees and open space. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please consider supporting the important work of the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. Liane is survived by her loving husband, Donald “Ray” Goodwin of Benton, Arkansas; son, John Silva of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Kimberly Silva Gibson and husband Jason of Bremerton, Washington; and her grandchildren, Alexander Silva and Ashley Gibson. Arrangements have been entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: https://benton.smithfamilycares.com/.
Anthony Zacarias Choc-Solis, infant son of Jose’ Choc and Thania Solis, is resting in the arms of the Lord. He was born October 29, 2019 in Little Rock, and gained his angel wings on December 9, 2019. Anthony was dearly loved by his parents and his family. Although his time on earth was short, he is loved beyond measure and will be missed always. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:00 PM, Thursday, December 12 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Raul, will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Deanna Fay Richmond, 56, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 10, 2019. She was born November 29, 1963 in Benton to Kenneth and Thelma (Morris) Simmons. Deanna was the “Ultimate Grandma”. She enjoyed crafting and sewing and could make anything with a basket of odds and ends and a bottle of super glue! Her family was everything to her, including her dog, Barkley. Preceding Deanna in death is the first love of her life, husband, Allen Richmond; her second husband, Jeff Morris; father, Kenneth Simmons; and grandson, Landon Rogers. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Corey Richmond and wife Katie of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Krystle Rogers of Benton; mother, Thelma Simmons of Texas; grandchildren: Jedda Barnes, Allie Kay Richmond, Chevy Richmond, Jordan Overton, Haley Drye, and Dakota Remsing; brother, Kenneth “Red” Simmons of East End, Arkansas; step-daughter, Jessica Drye; father-in-law, Phil Morris; special niece, Brooke Howe; and many more family members and friends who love Deanna and will miss her always. Memorial service held at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 16 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Stella “Ronnie” Higdon, 71, passed away December 15, 2019. She was born April 9, 1948 in Ferriday, Louisiana to Denise (Ellis) Letlow and the late Fred Waltman. Ronnie worked for over twenty-nine years with the Rose Law Firm as a legal assistant. She was a proud member of the “Gridiron” production with Arkansas Bar Association since 1992. Ronnie was an active member of Sylvan Hills Community Church in Sherwood where she was involved in the Mary Martha group. Ronnie was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother and attended all of their events. She enjoyed dancing in the Bop Club and was a talented seamstress who won many awards for her beautiful clothes. She loved searching for four-leaf clovers and had several in her Bible. Ronnie also enjoyed traveling with her best friend, Freida. Ronnie was loyal and truthful and could keep a secret better than anyone. She had a servant’s heart and loved her family more than anything. Ronnie was an absolutely, remarkable, shining example of a human being. Preceding Ronnie in death are her father, Fred Waltman and her brother, Fred Waltman, Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Creg Higdon (Tana) of Monroe, Louisiana; daughter, Dawn Bailey (Brad) of Benton, Arkansas; four bonus children: TiaJuana Thompson, Tammy Higdon, Cody Higdon, and Joe Higdon and their families; grandchildren: Kelsi White (Mark), Kendyl Hammons (Caleb), Molly Higdon, Lauren Bolding (Hayden), Brooke Mobley (Joey), Abby Bailey, Chase Bailey, and Cody Bailey; great-grandchildren: Auldyn White, Joshua Hammons, Jonah Hammons, Hannah Hammons, Stella Bolding, Charlotte Bolding, and Colt Mobley; mother, Denise Letlow; two sisters: Judy Falkoff and Cynthia Kelly; dearest friend, Freida White; and many family members and friends who love Ronnie and will miss her always. Visitation will be held 1:00-2:00 PM, Thursday, December 19, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Tim McMinn, will follow at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Sylvan Hills Community Church Crisis Corner. Services by Smith-Benton Funeral Home www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Thomas Austin Rout was born on December 16, 1937 and passed away on December 9, 2019. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/alexander-ar/thomas-rout-8956462
Lorene Vail Fredieu was born on October 5, 1924 and passed away on December 9, 2019. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/alexander-ar/lorene-fredieu-8956574
Johnnie Katherine Neu of Benton, Arkansas, made the journey into her heavenly home on December 12, 2019. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas December 25th, 1940. Loved ones left to cherish her memory are her husband-William (Bill) Neu, her children; James Neu, Monica (John) Porterfield of Benton, and their children Lindsey Knight (Aaron) of Lonoke, Arkansas and Lauren Porterfield of Conway, Arkansas, Michael Neu (Deborah) and their children Lilly, Charlie, and Blake Neu. Grandson Ryan Murphree of Benton, and his daughters Brynlee and Karlee Murphree. Her sisters Beverly Lanier (Jim) of Russellville, Arkansas, and Marita Bivins of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her first born daughter Teresa, her sister Mary Bridges, her brother Ralph James and her loving parents. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, AR 72002. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm. Memorial Service and Burial will follow. Pastor Doug Pruitt of Midtowne Church, Benton will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Midtowne Church Building Fund, 4037 Boone Road, Benton, Arkansas 72015. DONATIONS Midtowne Church Building Fund 4037 Boone Road, Benton, Arkansas 72015 https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/alexander-ar/johnnie-neu-8960925
Ronald Schiro, 76, of the Hot Springs Village passed away December 10, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Ronald was born April 18, 1943 to Joe and Irene Schiro in Chicago Illinois. Ronald enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Veronica, children; Ronald Jr Schiro (Victoria), and Nancy Martella, grandchildren; Jacob and Noah Martella, and Hannah Schiro. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Christ of The Hills Church. Funeral arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home in the Hot Springs. No events scheduled at this time.
Shirley Ann Stratton, 84 of Hot Springs Village passed away on December 15, 2019. Shirley was born on March 10, 1935 in Hammond Indiana to the late James H and Lula M Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her son Kenneth W. Stratton, her parents and two sisters. Shirley is survived by her husband of 62 years, Donald Stratton, two daughters, Sharon (Brad) Wenner and Karen (Charles) Lawrence, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Village United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Friday, December 20, 2019 at 2:00pm with Rev. Chris Hemund officiating. Interment will follow at CedarVale Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.