BENTON — Lillian Nellie Houston Cargile,

105, passed Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Benton, Ark. Lillian was born on January 26, 1919, in Hope, Ark., to the late Henry Claud and Nellie Ellis Houston. On February 20, 1939, she married Robert Edgar “Shorty” Cargile, with who she shared a lifetime of love and companionship.

In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband “Shorty”; brothers, Delton Houston of Little Rock and Cecil Houston of Sweetwater, Texas; and sister Vera Beaty of Ponca City, Okla.

She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Larry and Dana Cargile of Benton, Ark., and Terry and Ann Cargile of Boise, Idaho.

Never one to sit idle, Lillian spent 18 years as a volunteer with St. Vincent Infirmary Auxiliary and many years, along with her husband, working the voting polls in Pulaski County. Her many joys in life included being a proud Hope Bobcat, a Cub Scout den mother, bargain hunting, thoroughbred handicapper, occasionally challenging “one-armed bandits,” and she always had a special place in her heart for small children. Lillian had a great sense of humor and contagious laugh. As an empty nester, she pursued a variety of bookkeeping jobs and found great joy in gardening and growing beautiful flowers. Lillian will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends and community.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday April 4, 2024, at Roselawn Memorial Park. Immediately following the service, a memorial reception will be held at the Griffin Leggett Healey Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Arkansas Hospice Foundation.