Max Aaron Wallace, age 13, of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016. He was born November 4, 2003 in Benton, Arkansas. Max was a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church. He loved hunting & fishing and just being outdoors. Max was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruby Wallace. He is survived by his parents, Bradley and Becky Pate Wallace; two brothers, Noah and Leland Wallace; grandparents, Sherman Wallace, Merle & Linda Otts and Michael & Sharon Pate; aunts and uncles, LeighAnn Tropp (Anthony), Lyn White, John Pate, Laura Dempsey (Terry) and Mike Otts (Jeannie) and cousins, Savannah Tropp, Zoe White, Cole Otts and Faith Otts. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 30 at New Life Baptist Church with burial at Mt. Harmony Cemetery. Bro. Brian Moore will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation in the memory of Max may be made at First Security Bank. Donations will be used to support families with expenses incurred to treat PANS/PANDAS. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Brenna Antoinette House, age 34, of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016. She was born October 28, 1982 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Brenna graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with an R.N. Degree and attended New Life Baptist Church. In her younger years, she loved the rodeo and traveled many places. Brenna enjoyed fitness; especially her crossfit class. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnny and Betty House & Johnnie and Helen Harper. She is survived by her parents, John and Susan House of Benton; son, Rylan Roddy of Benton; brother, John-Ryan House and wife Susan of Robstown, Texas; sister, Stephanie Regan and husband Thomas of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four nieces and nephews, Truly Sue House, Madeline Regan, Jacob Regan and Ty Regan and her God parents, Tony and Jana Sanders of Texas. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 at Ashby Funeral home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28 at Oak Park Baptist Church, 8200 Flintridge Rd in Little Rock with burial at Moore’s Chapel in Sheridan. Bro. Gary O’Neal will be officiating. Family Comments: The one thing that will never be forgotten is that Brenna Loved her son Rylan more than life itself, and is at peace knowing that he is safe and has family that loves him as much as she did. She had a heart of gold and took great pleasure in sharing it with others. She was always there for her family, and the ones fortunate enough to be her friend. Even though we grieve we know she has reached out and touched the face of God and will forever be at peace. One day we will all rejoice when we meet in Heaven.
Steven Christopher Hester, age 58, of Paron, passed away on December 25, 2016. He was born July 18, 1958 in Benton, Arkansas to Marion and Betty Watson Hester. Steven graduated from Paron High School in 1976 where he served as class president and was a class favorite. For many years, he was a heavy equipment operator and worked with his dad at Hester Contracting Company. He was outgoing and enjoyed spending time with many friends. Steven was a member of North Fork Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Dee Dee and Mike Curtis of Paron and nephews, Chris Curtis of Little Rock and Clay Curtis of Bryant. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29 at Fowler Cemetery in Paron with Bro. Cecil Hyde officiating. The family would especially like to thank the entire staff of the Perry County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for all their love and excellent care of Steven.
Bertha Mae Dobbs Smith, age 86, of Benton passed away Monday, December 26, 2016. Bertha Mae was born June 10, 1930 to Orville and Pauline Dobbs of Benton. She was retired from Alcoa with 35 years, a Charter member of First Christian Church and a member of Northside Church of Christ of Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Jimmy Smith. Survivors include daughter, Deborah Smith, of Benton; a brother, Charles Perry Dobbs and wife Betsy, of Maryland and their two daughters, also two sisters-in-law, Patsy Steele and Pam Newcomb, two brothers-in-law, Robert “Bob” Smith and Ronnie Mac Smith and their families. A special thank you to Saline Memorial Hospital, Dr. Daniel Cartaya and Saline Memorial Hospice. A memorial service was held Wednesday December 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Old Rosemont Cemetery with Bro. Kim Hammer officiating. Charitable donations should be made to any choice of the people. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Lois Jean Baugh, age 90, of Mabelvale, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016. She was born December 18, 1926 in Mexico, Missouri. Mrs. Baugh was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Martin Winn; husband, Glenn Eldon Baugh and three brothers. She is survived by three sons, Richard Baugh and wife Sharon of Little Rock, Stephen Baugh and wife Christi of Mabelvale and Dennis Baugh and wife Linda of Little Rock; daughter, Teresa Lee and husband David of Kingwood, Texas; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 3 at Ashby Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff at Fox Ridge Estates in Bryant and Gentiva Hospice Care for taking such good care of their mother in her final years. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 4 at Pine Crest Memorial Park.
Elizabeth Ann Green Modlin, age 79, entered into Heaven singing and holding God’s hand on December 24, 2016. She was born on August 14, 1937, in Mt. Ida, Arkansas to the late Jerry Paul Green and Anna Lee Crump Green. She was a very loving and devoted wife for fifty-three years to the late E. L. Modlin. She was a nurse for over fifty years. She and her husband dedicated many years of service to programs for children. She and her husband loved camping with family and friends. She loved her family with all her heart. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Susie Crump Moore, from Mt. Ida, Arkansas. She leaves behind son Tommy Modlin (Cindy) of Little Rock, daughters Susan Tedford (Gary) of Benton, Sherri Hunt-Bores (Michael) of Bryant, and Misty Modlin of Bryant; grandchildren: Holly King (Chance) of Benton, Dustin Rhodes (Ashley) of Benton, Rindi Rhodes of Benton, Bob Hunt of Benton, Casey Hunt of Bryant, Easton Modlin of Bryant; great-grandchildren: Whitlee Phillips, Kace King, Maxwell Rhodes, Benjamin Rhodes, Cooper Hunt, Colton Hunt and Jackson Hunt. She also left behind brothers and sisters: Pat Scucker, Richard Green, Sol Green, Melissa Wood, Paulette Brown, Morris Green, Ada Cass, Jerry Green, Glen Green and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Julie Borden, Paula Stonesifer, Southern Trace Rehabilitation, and Arkansas Hospice. Visitation is at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas, on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM. Pallbearers are Gary Tedford, Dustin Rhodes, Chance King, Bob Hunt, Casey Hunt and Easton Modlin. Burial will follow at Collegeville Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas. To sign Mrs. Modlin’s online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Cordelia Emma Connerley, 89, of Collegeville, AR passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016. She received the greatest Christmas gift of all by going home to be with her lord and savior. She was born August 21, 1927 to George William Connerley and Sophie Marie Gaiser Connerley. She attended grade school in Collegeville and went on to junior and senior high school at Mabelvale High school where she received her diploma. She also earned a liberal arts degree from Little Rock Junior College (now UALR). She worked in the statistical office at US fidelity and Guaranty Life Insurance for 27 years before retiring. She enjoyed making ceramics, quilting and other crafts. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church and the LWML. Service to others was her joy in life. She volunteered countless hours at Southwest Hospital where she received rewards and was named volunteer of the year in 1993. She was honored for her generosity of time, dedication, sincerity, humility, and most importantly, her unselfish love for those around her. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Sophie, Sister-in-law, Renee Connerley, and a host of family members and friends. She is survived by her brother George “Bill” William Connerley Jr., nephew, Molton William Connerley, Great-nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10am Saturday, December 31, 2016 at First Lutheran Church of Benton with the Reverend James Burns officiating. To sign online guestbook visit dialandudleyfuneralhome.com
Scott Moser, age 47 of Sardis, passed away December 27, 2016 at his home. He loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting and flying his drone, a Christmas gift from his daughter. He also adored Whiskey, his dog and best friend. He is preceded in death by his mom, Mary Ann Bailey Seay; sister, Juanita Paige Anderson and his grandparents, Gerald Bailey and Juanita Bailey. He is survived by his precious daughter, Shelby Ann Moser, the light of his life; the mother of his daughter, Krista Pike; his life companion, Shelley Herring and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 12:00 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. To sign Scott’s online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
William Alan Morgan, 48 of Alexander, Arkansas, passed away December 27, 2016. He was born January 24, 1968 to Paul E. Morgan and Jenny Eileen Pickney in Little Rock, Arkansas. He loved music, computers, going hiking, and spending time with family, especially his daughter. He is survived by his parents; daughter, Addison Morgan; two brothers, Paul Morgan, Jr., wife Carla of Benton, Greg Morgan, wife Starla of Alexander; two nephews and a host of family and friends. Preceded in death by his grandparents. A celebration of life will be Friday, December 30, 2016, 10:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Walter Eddings 78 of Mabelvale, passed away December 28, 2016. He was born on August 10, 1939 to the late, John and Jessie Marie Eddings in Jackson, Tennessee. Walter loved building things with his hands; watching old western movies and going to the casino. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Joe Eddings and granddaughter, Chasity Fulmer. Walter is survived by his son, Shaun Eddings; daughter, Charlotte Mastin (Harold); two grandchildren, Brianna Star Eddings and Bryce Eddings; great grandchild, Chloe’ Stivers; mother of his children, Nellie Arnold; niece, Elizabeth Stone; nineteen brothers; two sisters and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly. Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant with visitation one hour to the service. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Linda Lou Russell 64, passed away December 28, 2016. She was born June 18, 1952 in Saginaw, MI. to Ralph J. Stephens and Wanda Lou Koehn. She loved country dancing, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Stephens; brother, David Stephens and sister, Barbara Ann Miller. Linda is survived by her mother, Wanda Stephens; sister, Paula Winchester; four children, Paul Russell and wife Stephanie, Jaime Williams, John Russell and Joshua Russell; five grandchildren, Brandon, Brian, Dillon, Robbie and Emory. Celebration of life will be Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Robert E. Clark 88, passed away December 28, 2016. He was born August 1, 1928 to Eldred Clark and Ann Beekman Clark in New York City. He liked bowling, baseball, landscaping, and working in the yard. Survived by daughter, Carol Carr (Glenn) of little Rock; grandson, Randy Morgan; two granddaughters, Shelley Jolley of Bryant and Christina Trimble (Michael) of Benton; four great-grandchildren, Kayla, Austin, Chase, and Ian. Preceded in death by his parents, son, Ronnie Clark, and his wife, Ellie Clark. A celebration of life on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1:30pm at Fox Ridge Estates. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Kevin Edwards 58, passed away December 29, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born August 7, 1958 to Bernice Edwards in Little Rock, Arkansas. Kevin enjoyed fishing and helping Rudy Jolley on the farm. He was a huge Razorback fan and enjoyed calling the hogs every Friday. Kevin loved being the best of everything he did and was the first to help when someone was in need. He was preceded in death by his mother, grandmother, and Aunt Nancy Edwards. Kevin is survived by his loving sister, Jackie Perkins (Tammy); brother, Billy Ray Bailey; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of life will be Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Civitan Services at P.O. Box 368, Benton, Arkansas 72018 To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Jerry Wayne Crady, 82, of Alexander passed away December 26, 2016. He was born June 1, 1934 in Fagus, Missouri to the late Luther and Najgy Crady. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother Luther Crady Jr. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Carolyn Crady; his daughter April Crady Babberl, and his son Jerry Crady & wife (Jennifer); his brothers Donald and Tony Crady, and his sisters Barbara Witley and Wanda Mooring; four grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. To sign the online guestbook go to www.griffinleggettforesthills.com
Voldia Harden, 98, of Alexander passed away December 27, 2016. He was born in Wing, Arkansas on November 21, 1918 to George and Rhoda Harden. Voldia served in the Army during World War II.
Voidia was preceded in death by his wife; Dorothy Harden and one son; Verlon Harden. He is survived by two children; Carolyn England and Leon Harden, nine grandchildren; including Andrea Bearden-Brown (Kenny), Angela (Bearden) Lea, Bill Bearden, Jason Phillips, Tina Garrett, fourteen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.
Billie Benton Foote Eagle, age 73, of Alexander, AR went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, December 25, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 17, 1943 in Beebe, AR to the late Paul and Vida Mae Little Benton. Known lovingly as mom, grandma, GG (great-grandma), and LouBug, she battled illness gallantly for several years but refused to allow it to stop her from spending time with her family and friends. She was an active member of the Official TOPS Club Inc, where she had made lifelong best friends, a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, and a retired secretary. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Ronald Lee Foote and John David Eagle, her brother, James Paul Benton, and grandchildren Brianna and Kody Foote. Survivors include her three children, Donna Harris (Jeffrey Warf) of Alexander, AR, Robbie Witherspoon (Johnny) of Jacksonville, AR, Gary Foote (Jennifer Hrebik) of Alexandria, VA, and step-daughter, Teresa Coggins; eight grandchildren, April Moore (Donald), Courtney Henry (Chris), Matthew Heien (Chrissy), Johnathon Harris (Tori), David Mills, Michael Harris (Amy), Dakota Foote, and Kalynne Foote; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Ashley, Amy, Andrea, Christopher, Laken, Maddison, Kane, Wesson, Bryson, Cypris, Paris, and baby girl Foote; one sister, Bobbie Hawkins (Bert) of Collierville, TN; one sister-in-law, Judy Benton of Hot Springs, AR; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives; her dear friends with TOPS, and numerous other friends. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2016 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Rev. Clyde Chenault officiating. Interment will follow at Palestine-Jones Cemetery in Sheridan. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Warf, Johnny Witherspoon, Matthew Heien, Johnathon Harris, Michael Harris, and Dakota Foote. Honorary pallbearers and ushers are Chris Henry, Donald Moore, Don Benton, JP Benton, Peter Hawkins, Andrew Hawkins, and Philip Hawkins. Visitation is from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in memory of Billie Eagle, to the Humane Society of Saline County, 7600 Bauxite Hwy, Bauxite, AR 72011 or Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.
Betty Mobley March 31, 1940 – December 30, 2016 Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047)
Virginia Martin, 88, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away December 22, 2016. She was born July 1, 1928 in Henderson, Texas to the late Collie and Gladys Yates Williford. Virginia was a current member of Congo Road Baptist Church. She was a long-time member and worker at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Little Rock where she was the founder and director of the Respite Care Center, which gives caregivers assistance in caring for their elderly parents. Virginia and her husband, Joe were owner operators of Martin’s Market in North Little Rock for over ten years. Virginia was an avid button collector. She learned the history of each button and shared that information with many organizations. She has sewn thousands of buttons onto fabric pieces that decorated many rooms of her home. She also loved flowers and gardening. Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Martin; parents, Collie and Gladys Williford; brother, E.J. Williford; and grandson, Joey Vanness. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Linda Brockinton and husband Doyne of Alexander, Arkansas; two sons, Jim Martin and wife Cindy of Concord, Arkansas and John Martin and wife Leigh of New Mexico; brother, Bobby Williford of Tyler, Texas; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; chosen daughter, Rebecca Leslie; and many other family members and friends who loved Virginia and will miss her always. Memorial service, officiated by Bro. Jeff Langley, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 13, 2017 at Congo Road Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Respite Care, 4106 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Carol Jane Evett, 69, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away Friday, December 23, 2016. She was born December 20, 1947 in Saint Joseph, Michigan to Edward and Anna Adams Dowell. She worked at Modern Plastics making toys for twenty-seven years. Carol leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband of forty-nine years, Johnny Dale Evett of Alexander, Arkansas; sister, Anna Rose Young and husband Jimmy of Benton, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own; and many other family members and friends who loved Carol and will miss her always. Reception visitation will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery with Edward Morrison, Brian Smith, Dustin Wayman, Dustin Higgins, Brock Muilenburg, Travis Sears, David Wayman, and Israel Williams assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Randy Smith. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests may sign online guestbook at
Dr. Jean Garton was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 4, 1929 and died on December 23, 2016 at the age of 87. She and her loving husband of sixty-two years, the late Reverend Horace “Chic” Garton were blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. God used Jean to be a world-renown expert on pro-life issues. He provided her with opportunities to testify before the U.S. Congress and state legislatures concerning life issues. Her writings include books such as Who Broke the Baby?, scripts for documentary videos, and daily radio commentaries for five years, plus countless articles on numerous topics. She traveled the world speaking before royalty and government leaders as well as at gatherings of three or four to deliver the message God had entrusted to her. Even with all of Jean’s accomplishments, at the end, what mattered most to her was the knowledge that eternity was secure not because of all she had done but by the blood of her Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him all her sins were forgiven. Through Him, she, her family and many friends, and all others who place their confidence in Him will rise from the dead when He returns. It is then she will hear her Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Memorial service will be held mid January. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Roena Reba Howell, 91, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 24, 2016. She was born July 20, 1925 in Hackett, Arkansas to the late Edward K. and Bertha Farrar Wright. Roena enjoyed shopping, gardening, and beautiful flowers. She and Pete loved going to Oaklawn Horse Races and travelling across the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady E. Howell; two children in infancy; parents; and sister, Loretta Belle Henry. Roena leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Eddie Howell of Benton, Arkansas and Gary Howell and his wife, Donna of Benton, Arkansas; five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; special friend, John L. “Pete” Thompson of Sherwood, Arkansas; and many other family members and friends who loved Roena and will miss her always. Reception visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, Friday, December 30, 2016 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Memorial service, officiated by Bro. Billy McClain, will follow at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northside Church of Christ Corin Read Christian Bible Camp, 917 N East St, Benton, AR 72015. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Jimmy DeWayne Weser was born December 5, 1949 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He passed away December 27, 2016 in Redfield, Arkansas. Jim graduated from Benton High School in 1967. He attended State College of Arkansas (UCA). Jim retired from Granite Mountain Quarries after thirty-eight years of employment. He was a Vietnam veteran. Jim was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, National Turkey Association and the VFW. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and would give to anyone who needed help. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Weser; mother, Josephine Simpson Weser; brother, Robert Weser; and his legal guardian dad, Martin Dills. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife of forty-eight years, Jacqueline Petty Weser; two daughters, Kim Weser of Redfield, Arkansas and Jenny Eddins of Stuttgart, Arkansas; son, Jimmy Weser, Jr. of Damascus, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Allie Weser, Noah Weser, and Emmery Weser; three brothers, Gene Weser of Dumas, Arkansas, Stan Weser of Punta Gorda, Florida and Max Poye of Goshen, Arkansas; sister, Jody Lavender of Greece; legal guardian mom, Betty Dills of Detroit, Michigan; and many more family members and friends who loved Jimmy and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held Friday, December 30, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Steve William Pruitt passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on December 27, 2016, at the age of 70. He was born on May 3, 1946, to Narvel William Pruitt, Jr. and Flossie Willota “Ferrell” Pruitt He was a graduate of Bryant High School and attended Arkansas Tech University. While he retired from the U S Postal Service, he also served as plant manager at Vulcan Materials, worked as a painter for several years, and had held other jobs as well. He would always tell others he was “a jack of all trades and master of none”, except for when it came to pool and shuffleboard. Steve is survived by his two daughters who were his pride and joy, Karen Guinn (Michael) and Kim Godeaux (Tom). He also leaves behind his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Maddison Guinn (Hanna), Hannah Tarver (Chad), Matthew Black, Logan Black and two precious great grandchildren Greyson Guinn and Paxton Tarver, all of Benton. Other survivors include his dance partner and best friend of 15 years, Beverly Doan; brothers, David Pruitt (Joan), Paul Pruitt (Laura), Wayne Pruitt (Brenda), Don Pruitt (Melissa), Tommy Pruitt; half-sister Brandy Rogers (Josh), step-sisters Tracy Holt (Steve), Tammy Carter and Glenna Sue Ferrell; stepmother Sue Pruitt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he held dear to his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ralph Pruitt. Visitation will be held 11:30 AM-1:00 PM at Smith Benton Funeral Home, Thursday, December 29th with funeral services immediately following. Following the service everyone is invited to join the procession to Pinecrest Memorial Park where Steve will make his final resting place alongside his family. Pallbearers include his grandsons Maddison Guinn, Matthew Black, Logan Black, Chad Tarver, along with Robert Turner and Chad Derrick. Honorary pallbearers are members of Saline County Moose Lodge #2567. Charitable donations can be made to Arkansas Children’s Research Hospital, 1 Hospital Children’s Way Little Rock, AR. 72202 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online register:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
John Weldon “Smiley” Hoover, 78, of Benton, Arkansas passed away the morning of December 29, 2016 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and devoted family. He was born to the late Tom and Myra Hoover of Dermott on February 15, 1938. John joined the Air Force at the age of 17. He was stationed at Jacksonville, Arkansas and was later deployed to the Phillipines. Following his time in the service, he returned to the Arkansas area, later he moved to Oregon and worked for US Plywood. From there, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he joined the Carpenter’s Union. He worked in heavy construction until he retired. He returned to Arkansas where he and his family lived since 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William Lisenbey; sister, Edna Pearl Hoover; and brother, David Hoover. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of fifty-four years, Elaine Lockhart Hoover; daughter, Sonya Hoover; son, Brooks Lisenbey and wives Laurene, Denese, and Laura; granddaughters, Summer Millan; Tawana Harris and husband Troy; and Debra Gale; grandsons, Brad, Jordan, Alex, Shane and wife Mary, and Jacob Lisenbey and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Austin Lisenbey, Dylan, Paige, Rachael, Jesse, Shelby, Chloe, Joshua Job, Brian Steele ; brother, Tom Hoover; sister, Helen Lieter; Sandy, mother of Shane and Tawana; Barbara Kay, mother of Jacob; and many other family members and friends who loved John and will miss him always. Special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice Nurses, Angel and Maggie, Therapist Boyd, and Dr. Jeffery Mayfield for their kindness and care for John. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.