Betty Joe Hampel

Bet Hampel, age 82, of Benton, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. She was born to the late Clarence Ray and Thelma Hawkins Thornbrough on March 15, 1934. At age 18, she married Carl Eugene Hampel and they started their own successful business. In later life, Bet became an author and publisher. She wrote and published over 10 books. Bet was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Eugene Hampel, sister, Kay Lucy and her parents. She is survived by her brother, Clarence Ray Thornbrough of Dallas, Texas, six children, Pat Hampel (Lynda) of Benton, Mark Hampel (Leslie) of Fort Smith, Nancy Nolte of Colorado, Sammie Hampel of Benton, Tim Hampel (Shelly) of Benton, Mary Hampel of Benton; fourteen grandchildren, Megan Kennedy, Ryan Ashcraft, Meredith Nolte, Mallory Nolte, Amanda Hampel, Elyssia Hampel, Morgan Nolte, Will Ashcraft, Natalie Hampel, Brianna Hampel, Steven Hampel, Catherine Hampel, Scott Ashcraft, and Tate Ashcraft and one great-grandson. The funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Monday at our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton with Father Y.C. officiating. Rosary will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on Sunday at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow at 6:30 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in her honor to the Civitan Center of Bryant. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.