Sarah Kathryn Rhodes Benton

Sarah Kathryn Rhodes Benton died on Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Born on July 27, 1914, she looked forward to her 99th birthday in two months. She was the widow of William Robert Benton, Jr. who predeceased her almost 29 years to the day on Memorial Day weekend in 1984. Her parents were Barbara Jordan Rhodes and Elijah B. Rhodes of Fordyce. Her only sibling, Charles Evans Rhodes, predeceased her when he was killed in World War II. She was educated in the Fordyce schools and at Kidd Key College in Sherman, Texas and Hendrix College in Conway. Sarah Kathryn lived in Fordyce for three-quarters of a century, teaching piano to innumerable students, rearing a family, and participating in church and community activities. She was the organist for the Fordyce First United Methodist Church for many years until she moved to the First Baptist Church to join her husband, a lifelong Baptist. She became the organist there and led the drive to install a 22 rank Moller organ in the 1980's. On moving to Little Rock, she joined Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where she especially enjoyed a Sunday school class, new friends, and the music program. During her many Fordyce years, she was committed to her community and its advancement. She was a member of the Culture Club, a women's study group; the Chamber of Commerce as its first female President; the PTA as its President; the Dallas County Hospital Auxiliary; and the United Way in many capacities. Two projects especially important to Sarah Kathryn were the development of the Fordyce City Park and the assistance to graduating seniors provided through the Fordyce Scholarship Association which she co-founded. In the 1990's, the Fordyce Chamber of Commerce presented her with an award for Outstanding Community Service by an Individual. She continued her membership on the board of the Fordyce Scholarship Association after her move to Little Rock in 1991 to be near her children and grandchildren. She also continued to serve on the board of the Fordyce Bank & Trust Company which she joined following her husband's death. He was President and CEO of that institution. She was an avid bridge player where her competitive nature was on full display. Her survivors include daughter, Barbara Benton Patty (Clay) and son, William Evans Benton as well as beloved grandchildren, Claibourne Watkins Patty III and wife, April and William Jordan Patty and wife, Julie. She especially enjoyed her four great-grandchildren knowing three of them in her lifetime, Eliza Kathryn Patty 10, Nathaniel Claibourne Patty 4, and Eleanor Margaret Patty 2. Just prior to her death, she anticipated meeting her newest great-grandchild, Ethan Nicholas Patty, now four months old. Her family thanks the nursing staff who cared for Sarah Kathryn for their kind and loving attention over the last few years while she was a resident at Briarwood Nursing Center. A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce on Friday, May 31 at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Ed Matthews officiating. The family will be at 324 Midland Street from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, May 30. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that memorials be made to the Fordyce Scholarship Association, c/o Barbara Finley, President, 111 Pine Forest Lane, Fordyce, Ark. 71742. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.