Arkansas

ALEXANDER — Bennie C. Beard, 87, of Alexander, Arkansas passed away Sunday,

June 3, 2018 at home with his family by his side. He was born in Frisco

City, Alabama to

C.B. and Pauline

Beard on May 18,

1931. Bennie was raised in Pine

Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. He attended A&M College at Monticello, now the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Bennie then served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a partner in his real estate firm in Pine Bluff. For over 60 years he remained active as a real estate salesman, appraiser and home builder in the communities of Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Benton. Bennie served as a leader in countless professional and civic organizations. His later years were spent at his home on Lake Norrell where he was active on the volunteer fire department for 20 years. Bennie surrounded himself with friends and family and had the heart of giving. He loved crafts, yard work and telling stories. His daughters remember him as their loving, devoted “Daddy”.

Bennie is survived by three daughters; Debbie Welch of Conway (Bud), Lynn Brooks of Little Rock (Will) and Carol Sandoval of McKinney, Texas (Ken), four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will host a Celebration of Life Visitation at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Reverend John Darnall will officiate.

Please share your memories of Bennie at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– ARKADELPHIA — Sarah Kay (Allen) McCrary of Arkadelphia, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 2, 2018. She was born October 12, 1947 in Bryan, Texas to Milford and Wanza Lou (Townley) Allen.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Billy Neil McCrary, son, Matthew Allen McCrary and wife Andrea, son, Mark Neil McCrary and wife Kristen, grandchildren, Michael and Juliana McCrary, Evan, Ella and Cash McCrary, sister Lou Anne Bates and husband Bert, of Spring, Texas, nieces Laura Matthews, Lana Frank, Amy Bates, their children and numerous other family members.

Sarah Kay graduated from Huntsville High School, Huntsville, Texas and received her Bachelor’s degree in 1969 from Sam Houston State University. She was awarded the Master of Arts Degree from Henderson State University in 1990. She taught high school history and English in Texas, served on the counseling staff at Henderson State University and was in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Sarah Kay and husband Bill served in the US Army for 25 years with a variety of assignments overseas and in the United States. They moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 1987 and found their home for life.

Sarah Kay’s loves of her life were Matthew, Mark, their wonderful spouses and her five grandchildren. She was always looking forward to their time together and was quick with a story about the lives and many activities of each one. She also entered into a strong and enduring bond with the folks of Clark County, Arkansas and in particular the family of faith at First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia. Sarah Kay first became a member FBC in 1952 as her parents served on the faculty of Ouachita Baptist University. After her return to Arkadelphia in 1987 the church family took her in as if she had never left and that relationship grew to one of heartfelt love and gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown to her by others.

Whether she was responding to “MeMaw”, GrandMa”, “Sarah Kay”, or “Mom” she will always be remembered for her quick smile, big hugs, ears to hear, and a “can-do” spirit.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Tuesday evening at the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday June 6, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, with Dr. Lee McGlone and Pastor Jimmy Darby officiating. Sign Sarah’s online tribute page at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Lillian Jeanette Dean, 78, of Benton, passed away on June 3, 2018. She was born on February 17, 1940 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Walter and Lillian Ann Cogbill Johnson. Jeanette was retired from CARTI as a Radiology Tech and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed many years in helping with The Toys For Tots program during Christmas.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her son, Alan Hawkins, parents, Walter and Lillian Johnson, brothers, Walter and Billy Johnson, sister, Judy Murphy; sister in law, Vanda Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband of 48 years, Ernie Dean, son, Dennis Hawkins, granddaughter, Tara Hawkins Dorminy, great-grandchildren, Hadley and Jackson Dorminy, brothers, Doug Johnson and Gene (Linda) Johnson, brother-in-law, Charlie Murphy, sister-in-law, Sherry Johnson, many nieces and nephews.

Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 7 with Todd Weatherford officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Visitation will be Private. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Jessica Dianne Hipps-Holland, 31, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018. She was born to Jack and Rhonda Hipps on Sunday, July 27, 1986 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She loved her children with her whole heart.

She enjoyed camping and photography. She graduated from Bryant High School in 2005 and was a member of North Little Rock Assembly of God.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Drew Holland; grandparents, R.T. and Mary Hipps. She is survived by her loving parents, Rhonda D. Hipps and Jack Hipps (Stacey); three children, Jackson, Jaycee, and Stella; grandparents, Bill and Donna Homesley; along with a host of family and friends who love and miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. with the visitation the evening prior from 6-8 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com

–––––❖––––– BRYANT — Ruby Nell Shelnutt, 91, of Bryant, passed away on June 3, 2018. She was born on June 16, 1926 in Falcon, Arkansas to the late Bernard Porter Carlton and Maude Mae McGough Carlton. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husbands, Harry D. Long Sr. and Ralph Waldo Shelnutt, five brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her sons, Harry (Betty) Long of Sherwood, Jimmy R. Long of Mabelvale, W. Frankie (Jean) Long of Gentry and Tony D. (Lita) Long of Bismarck; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2 p.m. on Wednesday with Bro. Mike Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery in East End. Visitation will be at Ashby’s, 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. before services on Wednesday. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CABOT — SFC Rodney Lee Ruehrmund, (US Army National Guard Retired), 53, of

Cabot passed from this life on

Sunday, June 3,

2018. He was born Thursday,

June 11, 1964 in

Mount Gilead,

Ohio to the late

Lloyd George and Lois Ann

Wagner Ruehrmund. He served his country for twenty years and retired from the Ohio Army National Guard. Rodney was a member of the Bass Masters Association, was a hobby mechanic, a member of FLW, and volunteered with the Arkansas Youth Fishing Association working with students at Cabot High School. He was a kind and generous man who would help anyone he met.

Survivors include daughter Bethany Ruehrmund (Karim Eldessouky) of Columbus, Ohio; siblings, Mike (Judy) Ruehrmund of Westerville, Ohio, Reanna Terry of Delaware, Ohio, Sheryl (Durand) Smith of Ashley, Ohio, Ricky Miller of Columbus, Ohio, Mark (Pam) Ruehrmund of White House, Texas, Randy (Brenda) Miller of Cardington, Ohio, Tammy Ruehrmund of Walkertown, North Carolina, Terry (Michelle) Ruehrmund of Marengo, Ohio and Troy (Dawn) Ruehrmund of Cardington, Ohio. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Armstrong Chapel, Camp Robinson. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018 at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street, Cardington, Ohio. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the funeral Home. Local arrangements under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home 501-843-5816. Online guestbook: www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CAMDEN — Franklin Delano Bearden, age 76, of Camden passed away at his home on

Sunday, June

3rd, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born September 28, 1941 at

Poison Springs to Walter and

Ruby Bearden.

He graduated from Fairview High School in

1959.

He was a member of the National Guard for 10 years. He worked for the family business Bearden Butane for many years before going into business for himself as a bulldozer operator later expanding into gravel mining

and dirt work. At the present he was the owner of B & B Gravel and Trucking.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruby Bearden; his brother Larry Bearden; and his wife of 44 years, Norita Bearden. He is survived by his daughters, Trina King (Charlie), Beverly Foster (Pat), Monda Clayborn (Bobby). Grandchildren are John, Sara and Alex Reeder, Braden and Patton Foster, Emory (Nick) Long, Connor Clayborn. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence Bearden (Ann) of Smackover and sister Linda Mosley (Dick) of Camden.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 5th from 6–8 p.m. at Proctor Funeral Home and a graveside service will be Wednesday, June 6th at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Timothy Methodist Church Community Park of Camden. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome. com.

–––––❖––––– CHARLOTTE — Johnnie June Fox, 76, of Charlotte died Saturday, June 2, 2018. Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville with Dean Fugett and Charles Bullington officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until service time.

–––––❖––––– CLINTON — Orby Gerald Partee, 75, of Clinton, passed away June 2, 2018. Visitation is Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 1 p.m., at Rabbit Ridge Church of Christ. Services will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Culpepper Cemetery in Clinton. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service of Clinton. For full obituary, www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– CROSSETT — Vickie Caroline King, 71, of Crossett, died May 31, at UAMS. Celebration of Life Memorial Service 2 p.m., June 6, at South Main Baptist Church, 2801 S. Main St, Crossett. Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home. For full obituary go to meddersfuneralhome.com or call (870) 364-6171. “Celebrating Life.”

–––––❖––––– EDGEMONT — Maggie Snyder, 75, of Edgemont, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018. She was born May 29, 1943 in Kedron, Ark., to parents Houston Lee Taylor and Reba Lou Lundsford.

Maggie is survived by sons Jimmy Williams, Jr., James Williams, Billy Williams and David Williams; daughters Elizabeth Vent and Maggie Parr; companion Marvin Wisdom; one brother; three sisters; 12 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 at Boyd Funeral Home-Chapel. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 5th from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook, www. boydfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– HARDY — Kenneth Hamilton, 64, died June 1, 2018. He was a carpenter. Survivors: children, Tonia and William; mother, Lena; three brothers; two sisters. Visitation: today 6 to 8 p.m. in Tri-County Funeral Home Chapel in Highland. Funeral: 1 p.m. Wednesday at Tri-County F.H. Burial will be in Turkey Pen Cemetery.

–––––❖––––– HICKORY PLAINS — Robert (Bobby) Sterling Price of Hickory Plains, Arkansas passed away on June 2, 2018 at the age of 59 years. He was born January 8,

1959 to Oscar and Nell Price and grew up along with his siblings helping milk cows on the family dairy farm. He was an athlete in school and played on the High School State Football Championship team in 1976. He spent his adulthood raising beef cattle with his family on their farm in Hickory Plains. Bobby had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. He enjoyed raising cows, duck hunting, playing basketball, fishing, being outdoors and riding his four-wheeler.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 37 years, Paula Briley Price; daughter, Meagan and her husband, Tyler Gore, who he considered his son, of Hickory Plains; stepson, Larry Gatrell and stepdaughter, Laura Jurkovich; one granddaughter, Allie Mae Gore; eight step-grandchildren; his mother, Nell Price; three brothers, Rodney, Richard and Russell Price; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar (Bully) Price; son Briley (Matthew) Price; three brothers, Timothy, Randall and Tommy; and one sister, Becky.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Hickory Plains Missionary Baptist Church, with burial in Hickory Plains Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– JONESBORO — Mac Franks, 68, of Jonesboro passed away Friday, June 1,

2018, at the Flo and Phil Jones

Hospice House.

Mac was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 17,

1949, to the late Thomas and

Carrie Franks.

Mac lived in Jonesboro since 1967, moving here from Little Rock. He worked as a sales broker at E.C. Barton & Co for 41 years, was a member of Southwest Church of Christ and the ASU Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Mac graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock in 1967. He had a passion for golf and truly loved his Sage Meadows golf crew.

In addition to his parents, Mac was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Carol Franks, son, John Franks Jr. Survived by his son, Casey Franks of Little Rock; daughter, Amanda Weathers (Bradley) of Jonesboro; brothers, Ted Franks (Alison) of Murphys, California and Bill Franks (Kate) of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Zachary Franks, Colby Wood and Laney Weathers. Also his extended family, Heather Franks and Aaron Wood, several nieces and nephews and many special friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018, in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dr. Jimmy Adcox officiating. Burial will be private with Emerson Funeral Home in charge. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Thursday.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Ben Owens Jr. and Nurse Tracy Holladay for the special love and wonderful care provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1138 E. Matthews Street Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401. Online register www:emersonfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– LEPANTO — Virginia Portis Cross, 100, of Lepanto, Arkansas departed this life on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at her home. She was born on October 10, 1917 to D.F. Sr. and Agnes Mays Portis.

Virginia attended Gulf Park School for girls in Gulfport, Mississippi and graduated from The Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1935. She married Hi Cross in August of 1936 and they raised their family in Lepanto. She was the first Terrapin Derby Queen of Lepanto. She was an active member of The United Methodist Church, Lepanto PTA, Lepanto Museum, the Garden Club and the Art Club. Ninya, as her grandchildren called her loved her family, her church, her flowers and her yard. People all over town loved to ride by her house to see a 97-year-old blowing the leaves in the driveway.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Hi Cross Sr., three sisters: Elizabeth (Tommy) Thompson, Lorine (Frank) Bell and Nina Lou (T.B.) Goldsby and two brothers: Dan (Juliet) Portis and J.C. (Evelyn Ann) Portis. Virginia is survived by her son: William Hiram Cross Jr. of Lepanto, two daughters: Annis Cross (Charles) Hill of Little Rock and Portis Cross (Robert) Pleasants of Lepanto, seven grandchildren: Jolly Cross of Nashville, Tennessee, Angie Hill (John) Reckling of Houston, Texas, Wayland Hill of Little Rock, William Hiram Cross III of Lepanto, Ginny Pleasants of Cape Coral, Florida, Beth Pleasants (Stan) Bradshaw of Wynne, Mary Pleasants (Marshall) Gilmore of Meridian, Mississippi and 10 great-grandchildren.

The Cross family would like to extend a special thank you to Arkansas Hospice for the care and dedication to Mrs. Cross.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 1 to 2 p.m.at The First United Methodist Church in Lepanto.

In Lieu of flowers family requests that memorial be made to The First United Methodist Church in Lepanto, 529 Kenwood Avenue, Lepanto, Arkansas 72354. Delancey-Murphy Funeral Home in Lepanto is in charge of service.

–––––❖––––– LONGVIEW — Linda Davis White, 72, of Longview, died June 2, at JRMC. Celebration of Life Service 10 a.m., June 6 at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy. 52 W, Crossett. Visitation: 6-8 p.m., June 5, at funeral home. For full obituary go to meddersfuneralhome.com or call (870) 364-6171 “Celebrating Life.”

–––––❖––––– MELBOURNE — Maxine Shaver Eddy, 75, died May 30. Graveside funeral service was held Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. at Reeves Cemetery near Guion, Arkansas under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Survivors: Jeff Eddy, Jason Eddy, Bob Eddy (sons); four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

–––––❖––––– MENA — Laura Ann Robbins, age 91, of Mena, Arkansas, died Friday, May 25, 2018. The interment was held on May 31st at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at the Northside Church of Christ. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.

–––––❖––––– NORFORK — Merle May, 63, died June 1. Graveside funeral service will be Tuesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at Galatia Cemetery in Norfork under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock. Survivors: Gail May (wife), Marilyn Bagwell, Melinda McCurley (sisters).

–––––❖–––––

PINE BLUFF — Kenneth Dale James Sr., 75, lifetime resident of Pine Bluff, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018. Visitation: Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m., at Robinson’s. Graveside services will be Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10 a.m., at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff. For full obituary and online condolences: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

–––––❖––––– PRESCOTT — Funeral for John William Ledbetter, 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home with Mr. John Ratliff officiating. Burial Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home 1196 Hwy. 371 West Prescott, Ark. Arrangements: Brazzel/Cornish The Funeral Home, Prescott. Complete Obituary: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– PRESCOTT — Funeral for Mrs. Ruth Ward, 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018, First United Methodist Church, Prescott with Rev. Jerry G. Westmoreland and Rev. Sue Howe officiating. Burial De Ann Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday June 5, 2018 at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home Prescott. Funeral arrangements by Brazzel/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott. Online register: www.brazzelfuneralhomes. com.

–––––❖––––– REDFIELD — Nora Ann Croy Weith, 77, of Redfield, went to be with her

Lord on Sunday,

June 3, 2018.

She was born

March 20, 1941, in Redfield, Arkansas, to the late Luther and

Hazel Croy. She was a member of Lone Pine Missionary

Baptist Church in Hensley.

She is survived by her husband Elmer Joe Weith, step-children, Christe Renee (David) Small, Elizabeth Ann (Tony) Hudson, one sister Nancy Adams (Robert), five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces, Cynthia Hicks and Kathy Miller, two great-nephews and two great-nieces.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Buie Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Orion Cemetery. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-3231. Sign online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Christy King, 53, of Russellville, died Sunday. Memorial Service: 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at the Shinn Chapel under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation to immediately follow the service. Memorials: Up with People, 6800 Broadway, Ste. 106, Denver, Colorado 80221. Online obituary/ guestbook available at www. shinnfuneral.com.

–––––❖–––––

SIMS — Bethel Hicks, age 100, of Sims, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Funeral service Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the Pine Ridge Union Church. Interment in the Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

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STAR CITY — Gertrude Estelle Carter McGehee, 96, of Star City, died Monday. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Griffin Funeral Chapel. Bros. David Leopard and Chip Wallace officiating. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial at Holly Springs Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

–––––❖––––– WYNNE — Elizabeth Ann Curtiss Dye was born June 18 many years ago. She has requested that this obituary not include her year of birth as she wishes to assure all that she has been

35 years old for some time now.

Ann was a graduate of Wynne

High School (1963) and Arkansas State University (1966). During her time at Arkansas State University, she served as President of the Phi Mu Sorority. Ann was an elementary school educator for more than twenty-five years; teaching in Wynne, Helena, Brinkley, and El Dorado, Arkansas, as well as the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In addition to teaching, Ann loved traveling, baking bread, and hosting dinner parties. One of her greatest loves was music and her work directing the handbell choirs at First United Methodist Church in Wynne, Ark. and Homer United Methodist Church in Homer, Alaska, as well as singing in the choirs at both churches and Pollard United Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas, are important to mention. In addition to her fellow “Music Makers,” she was particularly fond of her friends in Alaska and the fun fishing trips on Kachemak Bay.

She is survived by her husband of almost 52 years, Gary, her son Daniel Dye (Candice) of Birmingham, Ala., and daughter, Leanna Wall (Colin) of Little Rock. Of greatest importance to Ann are her grandchildren, Henry and Lila Wall and Annabelle and Caroline Dye. She is also survived by her three sisters, Barbara Doss (Talmadge), Betty Sain (Noris), Sandra Cherry (Jim), her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Harrell; and countless other relatives and friends who have all been supportive through her almost 9-year battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Kernodle Funeral Home from 10 to 11 a.m. with burial in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye at 11:30 a.m.

The family asks that any memorials be directed to the Homer United Methodist Church, 770 East End Road, Homer, Alaska 99603; or the McElroy United Methodist Church, 2535 HWY 284, Wynne, Ark. 72396. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com.