obituaries

Recent obituaries in Benton & Washington Counties and the surrounding areas in Arkansas..

The obituaries in the Benton & Washington counties reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Benton & Washington counties' history and identity.

Anna Lee Elwin

Anna Lee Elwin

Jan 20, 2019

Anna Lee Elwin, 70, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, January 20, 2019. She was born May 11, 1948 in Outlook, Washington, to Gordon and Agnes (Martin) Elwin. Anna enjoyed reading and dancing, and was devoted to her family.

She is survived by four children, Jay A. Walker and wife Kellie, Justin H. Brady, Jennifer Johnson and Joseph Mize...

Robert "Bob" Stafford

Robert "Bob" Stafford

Jan 10, 2019

Robert "Bob" Stafford of Springdale, born to Alvin and Gladys Stafford on May 30, 1939, went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, and two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sue Stafford, and four sons, Darren (Nancy) Stafford, Shannon Stafford, Jamie (Chris) Stafford and Russell...

Danny Wayne "Dan" Maestri

Danny Wayne "Dan" Maestri

Jan 6, 2019

Danny Wayne "Dan" Maestri, 74, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, January 6, 2019. He was born May 2, 1944 in Greenwood, Arkansas, to the late Allen and Ruth Lewis Maestri.

Dan was a teacher, inventor, pilot, entrepreneur, and baker. A graduate of Greenwood High and the University of Arkansas, his love of teaching led him to Springdale where...

Patrick Lee Hayes

Patrick Lee Hayes

Jan 4, 2019

Patrick Lee Hayes, 34, of Fayetteville, died Friday, January 4, 2019. He was born March 25, 1984 in Mobile, Alabama to Robert David and Victoria Lynn (Turchi) Hayes.

Patrick loved music. He played drums, harmonica, keyboard and guitar. He enjoyed going out to eat, shopping trips and going to the movies. Patrick also enjoyed sports...

James Wesley Gosdin

James Wesley Gosdin

Dec 31, 2018

James Wesley Gosdin, 82, of Prairie Grove, died Monday, December 31, 2018. He was born June 13, 1936 in Gilmer, Texas to Jewel William and Thelma R. (DeSpain) Gosdin.

He is survived by five children, Joel Wayne Gosdin of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Perry Don Gosdin of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jayme Kay Petrie of Burleson, Texas, Troy...

Deborah Lynn "Debbie" Rodgers

Deborah Lynn "Debbie" Rodgers

Dec 31, 2018

Deborah Lynn "Debbie" Rodgers, 60, of Springdale, died Monday, December 31, 2018. She was born May 3, 1958 in Springdale to Junior Cecil and Noma Jewel Scott Starling.

Debbie was an office administrator for many years in Springdale for Dr. Sisco, then Northwest Medical Center, and finally at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. She loved and was loved...

Maggie "Jaunita" Young

Maggie "Jaunita" Young

Dec 29, 2018

Maggie "Jaunita" Young, 95, of Springdale, died Saturday, December 29, 2018. She was born October 4, 1923 in Gilbert, Arkansas, to Elmer and Martha Killion Schlitt. Maggie loved her family dearly. She enjoyed fishing, and playing horseshoes and games especially with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Young in 1974, a son,...

Jerald Ray Straight

Jerald Ray Straight

Dec 24, 2018

Jerald Ray Straight, 51, died Monday, December 24, 2018. He was born January 3, 1967, in Springdale to Raymond Howard and Jeraldine Winn Straight. He is survived by his mother, and one brother, Jeff Straight and wife Xenia of Winona, Minnesota. Jerald was preceded in death by his father in 2011.

Jerald had a big heart and...

Vernon Lou "Buddy" Ritchie

Vernon Lou "Buddy" Ritchie

Dec 14, 2018

Vernon Lou "Buddy" Ritchie died at peace on December 14, 2018, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. Buddy was born May 3, 1935, in Delaney, Arkansas, to the late Elmo and Lizzie Stewart Ritchie. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Betty Belote Ritchie. He is survived by his wife Donita Hubbard Ritchie,...

Mary Margaret Wright Governor

Mary Margaret Wright Governor

Dec 9, 2018

Mary Wright Governor passed away on December 9, 2018, in Springdale. She is survived by her husband, Richard Governor, and five children, Carolyn Ferran and late husband Horacio, Kathy Windsor and husband Bobby, Janet Evans and husband Justin, Nancy Ambrose and husband Jeff, and Billy Wright. Mary was born in 1927 to Lillian and Herbert Strouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut....

Steven Joseph "Joe" Hill

Steven Joseph "Joe" Hill

Dec 9, 2018

Steven Joseph "Joe" Hill, 31, of Fayetteville, died December 9, 2018. He was born on March 12, 1987 in Columbia, MD to Cornell McClellan and Steven Keith Hill. He was known for his wicked sense of humor and fierce loyalty. He was a proud father, avid video gamer, musician, and hiker who loved books and Alabama football, just like...

Ruby Louise Watson

Ruby Louise Watson

Dec 7, 2018

Ruby Louise Watson, 76, of Springdale, died Friday, December 7, 2018 at her home. She was born September 13, 1942 in Fallsville, Arkansas to Henry and Martha (Case) Bohannon. Her favorite hobby was to talk on the phone and go out to eat.

Ruby is survived by three children, Gary Warren and friend Lisa of Springdale, Robert...

Pauline Velma Lewis

Pauline Velma Lewis

Dec 4, 2018

Pauline Velma Lewis, 84, died Tuesday, December 4, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born February 18, 1934, in Savoy to Henry Beecher and Lydia Thelma Jones Paschal. Pauline loved attending NASCAR races with friends and family throughout her life. She enjoyed baking elaborate cakes for her family for any special occasion. In her later years she enjoyed...

Robert Hale Dobbs

Robert Hale Dobbs

Dec 3, 2018

Robert Hale Dobbs was born in Joplin, Missouri on October 7, 1937 to Everett Hale Dobbs and Vera Leila Skillern Dobbs. He passed away December 3, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas at Circle of Life. He spent his school years in Seneca, Missouri. Bob played football and golf, enjoyed traveling with his parents to foreign countries and sailed on the...

James Arthur Acuff

James Arthur Acuff

Nov 22, 2018

James Arthur Acuff, 79, of Hindsville, died Thursday, November 22, 2018. He was born December 19, 1938 in Harrison to James Edmond and Marjorie Marie (Hayes) Acuff.

James was a member of Ray of Hope Church. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and hunting and fishing. He retired from Tyson Foods after 32 years.

...

Velma Gean Murray

Velma Gean Murray

Nov 15, 2018

Velma Gean Murray, 70, of Fayetteville, died Thursday, November 15, 2018 at her home. She was born June, 24, 1948 in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to Howard Lee and Leoma Brooksher Patton.

Velma is survived by three children, Damon Warford, Sr., Tina Bolstad and husband Harlan, and David Warford and wife Billie; two brothers, Harold Patton and Theron Patton;...

Etta Lou Craine Perrett

Etta Lou Craine Perrett

Nov 15, 2018

Etta Lou Craine Perrett, 77, of Elm Springs, died Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Washington Regional Medical Center. She was born May 24, 1941 in War Eagle to Loyde Greene and Violet Josephine (Campbell) Edmondson.

Etta was the youngest of ten children. She enjoyed baseball, especially watching the Cardinals and Arkansas Naturals play. She worked for over...

Ralph Edward Franklin

Ralph Edward Franklin

Nov 14, 2018

Ralph Edward Franklin, 77, of Springdale, died Wednesday, November 14, 2018. He was born August 22, 1941 in Ft. Smith to William Edward and Dorothy (Hattaway) Franklin.

Ralph served in the Air Force. He was a fantastic salesman and a great sales teacher. He enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Above all Ralph was devoted to his family...

Loretta Elizabeth "Betsy" Graham

Loretta Elizabeth "Betsy" Graham

Nov 1, 2018

Loretta Elizabeth "Betsy" Graham, 75, of Bella Vista, died Thursday, November 1, 2018. She was born March 8, 1943 in Fayetteville to James Edmond and Ruth Swink Wages. Betsy enjoyed making a variety of crafts, reading, studying history and attending concerts. She retired from the mailing services department with the University of Arkansas after many years.

She...

Pete John Pianalto

Pete John Pianalto

Nov 1, 2018

Pete John Pianalto, 96, of Tontitown, died November 1, 2018 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. He was born December 8, 1921 in Tontitown to Joe and Annie Cigainero Pianalto.

Pete served in the Army during World War II. He was a farmer throughout his life and considered to be a professional Bocce Ball player. Pete...

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