Archive - May 23, 2012
It was arguably one of the most heated campaigns in Saline County in many years, but incumbent Bruce Pennington won a decided victory Tuesday in the Republican Party's preferential primary election.
Pennington is now the party's nominee and will face Democratic challenger Rodney Goshien Sr. in the Nov. 6 general election.
On Tuesay, Pennington, 61, soundly defeated James Ward by receiving 64.81 percentage of the total votes to 35.19 percent for Ward. Of the 10,287 ballots cast, 6,667 votes were for Pennington and 3,620 for Ward.
Lois Kelley, 65, of Benton passed away on May 21, with her family by her side. She was born on January 13,1947 to the late, Lee and Mary Dyce in Ulun. Lois enjoyed collecting angels, painting, crocheting, wood working and doing crafts. She always had a smile on her face and would light up the room when she entered. Her most precious times were spent with her children and grand children.
She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Katherine and seven brothers, Cecil, Gene, Walter, Bennett, L. E., John and J. R.
Robin Elizabeth Schwartz Lobbs, 37, of Benton, passed away May 22. She was born July 2, 1974 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Greg and Elizabeth Cross Schwartz. Robin attended UALR and Henderson State College. She was a member of Bryant United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her son, Jefferson Lobbs of Benton; parents, Greg and Elizabeth Schwartz of Benton; brother, Christian Schwartz and wife, Alexis of Benton; nephew, Owen Schwartz of Benton and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Georgia Florene Jones Merrell, 95, of Benton died Monday May 21. She was born February 15, 1917 in Nashville. Georgia was a retired Cosmetologist and a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Jones, and her husband Alger Merrell.
She is survived by two sisters, Nan Mize and Gloria Johnson, both of Benton; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Marga “Momma Jean” Torres passed away on May 20 with her family by her side. She was born Dec. 27, 1928, to the late Andrew and Effie Wallis in Norman, Okla.
Marga enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, going to yard sales and spoiling her grandbabies. Marga was a wonderful mother and grandmother; her children and grandchildren could not have asked for a more loving and caring "momma."
She was preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children, Hershal Parker Sr.; and two great grandchildren, David Allen and Bobbie Jo Sweatt.
Bob Lee Asher, 68, of Benton died Sunday May 20, at his home. He was born April 22, 1944 in Cherokee City.
He was a retired lineman for Benton Utilities, where he worked for 28 years, and was a Baptist.
Bob grew up in the woods hauling pulpwood for the family business. With the knowledge he gained, he eventually built his own house over a period of 28 years. He loved his family and treasured spending time with his grandchildren.
