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James Randall Townsend
James Randall Townsend age 72 of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026. He was born January 14, 1954 in Sheridan. James was a re tired Rural Mail Carrier and Sheet Metal worker and a member of the North Side Church of Christ. James loved to umpire softball games and he was an avid reader.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James Elmo Townsend and Patsy Jean Rasico Townsend.
Survivors, wife, Margaret Ann Scott Townsend, son, James Scott Townsend, daughters, Ashley (Jeff) Wilcox, Stacy Townsend (Scott Knoedl), brothers, Jeff Townsend and Mark Townsend.
Visitation will be from 12:0 to 1:00 PM Thursday, May 14, at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with services starting at 1:00 PM.
Richard Louis Elrod
Richard Louis Elrod, age 71, of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026. He was born May 9, 1955 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Richard was a 1973 graduate of Benton High School and went on to retire from CoorsTek after 43 years. He served as Deacon for East Side Missionary Baptist Church and later was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church.
Richard never met a stranger. He was a simple man and loved the Lord. Richard enjoyed fishing, camping, golf and loved his fur babies, Cooper & Oscar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Albert Elrod and Reatha Mae Reed Elrod.
Richard is survived by his wife, Judy Elrod; step-son, Marcus Griffin; brother, Greg Elrod (Vicki); nephews, Andrew Elrod (Tiffany) and Kevin Elrod (Janice); and several more family & friends that will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Owensville Cemetery. Bro. Marcus Blakley will be officiating.
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Verla Jean Hoppe
Verla Jean Hoppe, 84, of Benton, Arkansas passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2026. She was born June 22, 1941, in Newport, Arkansas, to Ezreth Everett Severs and Hattie (Nelson) Severs.
Verla spent many years working for Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona, in the documents control center. She was a hard worker, but what people will remember most was the way she lived life. Verla loved to have fun and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved gambling trips, dancing, reading, relaxing at the beach, and sharing laughs and good times with the people she loved. Her home was always a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and memories were made.
She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Avilla, where she especially enjoyed singing in the choir. Her church family meant a great deal to her, and she treasured the friendships and fellowship she found there.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 36 years, Gary Daniel Hoppe; her children, Pam Jones and husband Walter, Allen King, Paul King, and Cody King and wife Mandy; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; her sister, Georgia Duty; along with many other family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Albert Lee Severs.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Walter Jones, Keith D’Atrio, Cody King, Les Brown, Cory Jones, and Josh Jones. Paul King and Allen King are Honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Arkansas 72002.
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