Betty McConnell Hardin

Betty McConnell Hardin, age 83, of Benton, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House. Betty was our sweet, gentle mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born April 9, 1928 in East Point, La. to Ruth and Noel McConnell. She graduated from Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La. with a Master's in Education. Betty taught elementary and Jr. High in Benton, and she was a guidance counselor at Fayetteville High School, Merritt Island, Fla., and Pulaski County Special School District. She was a devoted educator, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Edward Hardin and infant son, Joey. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Young and husband, James; grandson, Chris Harp and wife Jennifer; granddaughters, Katie Soliman and husband, Jack, Cindy McAllister and husband, Sam; four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Emily Harp, Brittyn and Collin McAllister; sister, Carolyn Wilburn; brother, Thomas McConnell and wife, Elizabeth; many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton or the Benton Athletic Memorial Museum. A memorial service for Betty will be held on Monday, March 28 at 1 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Jones officiating. A Private family graveside service will be held following the service. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.