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James Richard “Scooter” Key

James Richard “Scooter” Key, 65, of Benton, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026.  He was born June 24, 1960 in Benton, Arkansas.

Scooter was born and raised in the Sharon community in Benton, Arkansas.  He attended Caldwell Elementary, Westside Junior High, and graduated from Benton High School in 1978.

Immediately after high school he went to work for the Arkansas Highway Department. He worked there until he retired in 2016, starting on the road crew and retiring from the Material & Testing Lab.

Scooter loved sports and throughout his school years participated in baseball, football, and basketball. As an adult he also developed a love for golf, playing at any opportunity.  

Scooter loved the Lord and was always grateful for the 3 wonderful church homes he was blessed by. Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church and Glazier Peau Missionary Baptist Church. Glazier Peau was the perfect final church home for him.  He was retired, and had time to devote to teaching Sunday School, working with a Prison Ministry, and leading singing/active in the music ministry (Dan Welch, our grandfather, would have especially loved this work).

Scooter was born into a family of a Mom & Dad, 3 sisters, and 1 “other brother”. But he was also born into a huge extended family. That extended family included blood relatives, friends who feel like family, and of course ….as fellow Sharonites will concur….the family of others raised at Sharon.  Scooter really cared about people, made friends easily, and kept them forever. 

Scooter was preceded in death by his grandparents Elvis & Velma Key and Dan & Effie Welch. And by his parents Charlie & Bobbie Key. 

He is survived by his aunt Jean Whitehead. By 2 sons, Stephen Monnet & Hallie Fleck   (grandson Kaleb – granddaughter Kaylynn) Victor & Perry Dawn Monnet. He is also survived by his sisters Cherri & Lewis Roberts, Dana & Matt Mattingly, and Theresa Key and “our other brother” Alan Kesterson. And a host of nieces and nephews, plus a wonderful tribe of extended family.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Sharon Cemetery.

Scooter loved God. We knew, and he knew, when he left this world he was headed to Heaven. It would give him great joy to great you upon your arrival there. If you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord, now is a wonderful time to begin one.

In lieu of flowers please make donations, per scooters request to Glazier Peau missionary Baptist Church for prison or ministry funds.

 

Janis Kay Garland

Janis Kay Garland, age 74, of Benton, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026.  She was born September 9, 1951 in Bauxite, Arkansas.  Janis retired from the Arkansas Children’s Hospital as an Emergent Operator and was a member of Cross Bar C Cowboy Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jeff William & Merlene Gross Kentner and her husband Larry Garland.

Janis is survived by two daughters, Christie Drennan (Cliff) and Sheri Bengtson (Adrian); brother, Dickie Kentner (Sherry); eight grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, Jennifer, Abby, Justin, Lexie Jordan, and Laynie; and one great-grandson, Kaysen.

She loved to travel and followed her husband all over the world while he was in the Air Force.  Janis also enjoyed dancing, fishing, horses, gardening, anything outdoors, and spending valuable time with family.  She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers that stayed with Janis.  We are grateful for all the excellent care she received.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 2 at Cross Bar C Cowboy Church with burial to follow at the Little Rock National Cemetery. Greg Spann will be officiating.

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LaVern Harrison

LaVern Harrison, age 90, of Benton passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026. She lived a long meaningful life filled with faith and friends.

Laverne had a deep love for her church and found great comfort and community in her faith. She also enjoyed spending her time visiting yard sales, always on the lookout for a good find and a chance to share a friendly conversation.

She is proceeded in death by her loving husband Eugene Harrison. 

Laverne is survived by her daughter, Judy; grandchildren Shawn (Lois), and Courtney (Jason); eight great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; brother, Henry, sister, Barb; and a host of

friends.

Visitation services will be held on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton from 6:00-8:00pm.

 

Steve William Whatley

Steve William Whatley, 68, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2026. Steve was the husband of Terrie Diane Whatley. They shared 47 years of a God led marriage together.

Steve was born in Benton, Arkansas. He was the son of Clarence William Whatley and Francis Janie Moore. Steve was a mechanic at his own shop before being employed at Evonik (Formally known as Porcell) for 13 years. He then worked at Saint-Gobain as a machine operator for about 2 years until retirement.

Steve enjoyed the outdoors and loved to deer hunt. He frequently took his family on trips. He was skilled at working with his hands and a jack of all trades. Steve led his family with faith and had great love for the Lord.

Steve is survived by his wife, Terrie Whatley. His daughter Tara Sheridan (Bryan) and son Steven Whatley (Cara), 3 sisters, 8 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids. He was predeceased by his father Clarence Whatley and mother Francis Moore.

The visitation will be held on Friday, April 03, 2026, from 6:00PM- 8:00PM at Smith Family Funeral Home (322 N. Market St. Benton, AR 72015).

“But I do not want you to be ignorant brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NKJV)

 

Tammy Green

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved mother, daughter, sister, Mimi, and friend, Tammy Green. She departed her earthly home on March 25, 2026.

Tammy was born March 17, 1966, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to Sharon and Harvey Robinson.

In 1988, Tammy met her husband, Peter Green, in Texas at Red Lobster-a meeting that would change the course of her life. Together they built a loving family and later moved to Arkansas, where they settled down and made a home filled with love and memories. She is now reunited with her husband, a love that continues beyond this life.  Tammy dedicated many years of her life working at El Chico, where she built lasting friendships and touched countless lives. She later began working at Chuy’s where she made the same lasting impressions. She found great joy and purpose in her work. Her work was more than just a job-it reflected who she was: driven, caring, and committed to serving others and making a difference.

Her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Joey. She had a deep love for her grandchildren and found her greatest joy in being their Mimi. She went all out for every holiday, creating special moments they will carry with them forever.

She had a unique way of connecting with each grandchild individually, making every one of them feel deeply seen, loved, and special. She was a truly selfless mother, always sacrificing for her girls and putting their needs above her own without hesitation. She was so proud of her girls and grandchildren and talked about them to everyone she met-often to the point that people felt like they already knew them, even if they had never met.

Tammy was a woman defined by her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for those around her. She had a heart that made room for everyone-family, friends, and even strangers who quickly became friends. She had a special way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She was also known for her feisty spirit-a spark that made her strong, resilient, and never afraid to speak her mind. It was part of what made her so unforgettable.

She was a true example of a Christian, always putting others first quietly, without seeking recognition, and living her faith through her actions every day. She loved the simple joys in life-including a good steak and cheese dip from Senor Tequila.

She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, feisty spirit, and the way she made the world a better place simply by being in it.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Green; her father, Harvey Robinson; and her niece, Kimberly Robinson.

She is survived by her loving children, Nichole Treadway (Brian Ford) and Haley Green (Keith Whitfield); her mother, Sharon Robinson; her sister Debbie Williams (Kevin Williams); her brother, Michael Robinson; her nephew, Kevin Robinson, and her cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Hayden, Emma, Khale, and Khaydence; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her in-laws-Alison Green (Danny Chang), Hilary Green (Matt Menzies), Tim Green, and Janet Green-whose love and support meant so much during this difficult time.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Chuy’s for their kindness and support.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29 from 2:00-4:00pm at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road in Benton, Arkansas. A celebration of her life will follow that evening at 6:00PM at Chuy’s in North Little Rock

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