Ratha E. Smithers Beneux

Ratha E. Smithers Beneux, 94, of Benton, passed away at her home Tuesday, July 6th. Born July 25, 1915. She was a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church of Benton. Mrs. Beneux loved her church, her family and was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and a 5th generation Great-Great-Grandmother. Left to cherish her memory is her surviving daughter, Willie Jeff (W.J.) Ison (Bill) of Benton; daughter-in-law, Maria Smithers Farrar (Bob) of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Gene Louallen (Vera) of Plano, Texas; sisters, Glenna McAllister and Adell Mead of Benton, Zelda Burrow (Clennon) of Plano, Texas and Josie Boyd (Larry) of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Kevin Malone (Rhonda) of Benton, Kim Reynolds (Keith) of Benton, Yvonne DeLynn Smithers Detherage (Gary) of Russellville and Jeff Smithers (Lori) of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren, Jory Malone (Abby) of Benton, BJ Malone (Tiffany) of Bryant, Jake and Luke Smithers of San Antonio, Texas and Chrissy and Haley Reynolds of Benton and great-great-grandchildren, Hannah Malone of Benton and Jamie Lynn Brooks of Russellville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Melissa Cox Louallen, at nine months of age; raised by her loving father and step-mother, Jada Louallen and Myrtle Rickard Louallen of Paron; two husbands, John Jefferson (Jeff) Smithers of Benton and Fred L. Beneux of Fort Smith; son, JD Smithers of Russellville; grandson, Douglas Smithers of Benton; great-grandson, JJ Brooks of Russellville; brother, Ondis Louallen of Bryant; sisters, Anna Lois Curtis, Imogene Mullenax, Stella English and Eva Williams all of Benton and many other countless family and friends. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, July 9 at Ashby Funeral Home. Food will be served at United Missionary Baptist Church of Benton from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday. Services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fowler Cemetery in Paron. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name, to United Missionary Baptist Church @ 3810 Salem Road in Benton, Ark. 72015. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.