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David Earl Ufford
David Earl Ufford, 91 of Benton Arkansas (December 12, 1934 – May 15, 2026)
David crossed the bridge to Heaven and WALKED thru the Pearly Gates on May 15, 2026.
He is survived by his three children, Cheryl Petz, Wayne Ufford (Bernice) and Kathy Aldrich, all of Alexander, Arkansas. He is loved and cherished by his Grandsons, Shawn Petz (Mollie Harvison) of Alexander; Jeffery Aldrich, Jr. (Jessica Lane) of Ellington, Missouri; Douglas Petz (Natashia) of Carlise, Arkansas and Joseph “Joey” Aldrich (Stevie) from Alexander, Arkansas. David was especially proud of his 6 Great Grandchildren and bragged on them as often as anyone would listen.
David was the oldest of four boys. He is survived by brothers Darwin Ufford (Irmi) of Torrance, California and Dean Ufford of Dumont, Iowa; sister in law Yvonne Ufford Brewer (Donald Ufford) of Boise, Idaho along with a plethora of Nieces and Nephews who will also miss their Uncle David.
David was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Clellan Pfaltzgraff Ufford; their infant son Gary (1959); his parents Emmet and Mary Frisby Ufford, grandparents and Great Uncles all of Butler County, Iowa. He was also preceded by a younger brother Donald Ufford of Wilmington, Ohio, and a sister in law, Beulah Ufford (Dean) of Dumont, Iowa.
David was a retired Design Engineer for Jacuzzi Brothers and later for Smith Fiberglass. He was a jack of all trades, and master of most. His passion was to mentor his children and grandsons. He loved to build and create unique projects for his children, grandchildren and great grands. David wrote a weekly column in the Benton Courier as well as being very active and involved at the Benton Senior Center for several years.
A very special thanks goes out to Margo Peach, his Hospice Nurse, and her Team from Hospice Home Care, Bryant, Arkansas as well as the staff at Mt. Carmel Assisted Living Community in Benton, Arkansas. They collectively helped improve the quality of David’s life, as the quantity was running out. David passed peacefully and comfortably with no pain because of these special people in his life.
The immediate family will have a private celebration of David’s life at a later date.
Freda Mae Loris
Freda Mae Loris, born July 30, 1940, in Alma, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her life was marked by deep faith, unwavering devotion to family, and a gentle grace that touched everyone who knew her.
A woman of profound spiritual commitment, Freda devoted her life to church ministry. As a beloved pastor’s wife, she faithfully served wherever she was needed, whether beside her husband in ministry or teaching Sunday school with compassion and dedication. Her faith guided every aspect of her life, and she was known for her kind spirit, servant’s heart, and quiet humility. Freda had a rare gentleness that brought comfort to all who knew her.
Freda believed in lifelong learning and personal growth. In addition to attending seminary, she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license—not because she intended to work as a nurse, but simply because she wanted to prove to herself that she could accomplish it. Her determination and quiet strength were evident in all she did to care for those around her.
Her home was always filled with warmth, love and the smells of delicious food cooking or something sweet baking. Not one soul was allowed to leave her kitchen hungry! She was well known for her cooking, particularly her beloved banana pudding that became a favorite at church gatherings and family events. Freda found joy in gardening, especially tending to her beautiful flower gardens.
Above all, Freda loved her family deeply and wholeheartedly. Her memory is left to be cherished by her beloved husband, James “Jim” Robert Loris; her children, Jimmy Loris-Cameron and Renee Harrison, along with her son-in-law Lonnie Harrison; grandchildren Shanda Rogers, Amanda Herman, Lauren Moss, Jaxon Harrison, Nicholas Harrison, Jeptha Cameron, Jared Cameron, Devon Cameron, and Evan Cameron; great-grandchildren Luke, Jacey, Aria, Myers, Arwen, Callan, and Blair; two great-great-grandchildren, with one more expected soon; her brother Clarence Nelson; and a large circle of extended family and treasured friends, including Johnny and Diana Howard.
She has now joined eternity with her parents, Charles “Charlie” Nelson and Julia Monks, and her siblings Roy, Gladys, Douglas, Ruby, Jewel, and Florene.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Freda’s caregivers for the extraordinary compassion, kindness, and loving care shown to her and to the entire family throughout her journey.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Holland Chapel Baptist Church, 15523 I-30, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Burial will follow at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, 402 Shenandoah Rd, Benton, Arkansas 72019, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
In addition to sending flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Holland Chapel Light the Way campaign (select Light the Way/HC’s building fund under Giving Type). Ministry was the heart of Freda’s life, and through this gift, her family hopes to honor the faith and service that meant so much to her.
Freda Mae Loris leaves behind a legacy of enduring love, steadfast faith, and gentle kindness that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
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Mary Faye “Dot” Grant
Mary Faye “Dot” Grant, age 87, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Thursday morning, May 14, 2026. She was born May 27, 1938, in Benton, Arkansas, to Walter David and Sarah Ellen Cole.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny; two sisters, Sarah Gene Cole and Inez “Pete” Beaty; a brother, Dale Cole; and great-granddaughters, Weslee Faith Mizell and Allie Quinn Grant.
Mary is survived by her two children: Dr. Rick Grant and his wife Susan of Benton and Connie Moody and her husband Marc of Heber Springs; grandchildren Amber Bohannan and her husband Brad of Benton, Grant Watts of Benton, Sarah Mizell and her husband Ben of Benton, Katie Holmes and her husband Jace of Heber Springs, Wes Grant and his wife Hannah of Benton, Adam Harris and his wife Kadi of Benton, and Melissa Daniel and her husband Brian of Jacksonville, Florida; and great-grandchildren Laci Bohannan, Megan Bohannan, Brynn Bohannan, Charlee Mizell, Micah Mizell, Ozzie Mizell, Hudson Grant, Perri Grant, Brayden Watts, Deacon Holmes, Isaiah Holmes, Ethan Holmes, Kason Harris, Mia Daniel, Chloe Daniel, and Alex Daniel.
She is also survived by one brother, J.D. Cole, of Benton
Included in her family were Paul and Joan Babbitt and their family; the family of Oscola Wright; and Mary was blessed to have a lifetime of friends.
Mary loved her family more than anything and enjoyed playing dominoes with her friends, working at the warehouse, and living on the “farm” with her faithful dog, Buddy, always by her side.
At Mary’s request, a private family ceremony will be held at a later date.
Paula Stevens Bodkin
Paula Stevens Bodkin, 54, of Benton, passed away on May 11, 2026. Born on September 20, 1971, in Benton, Arkansas, Paula was the beloved daughter of Paul and Glenda Stevens.
She was preceded in death by her son, Glen Bodkin, and her mother, Glenda Stevens.
Paula is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Tommy Bodkin of Benton; her father, Paul Stevens of Benton; her daughter, Brittany (Trevor) Harrison of Benton; her son, Greg (Samantha) Bodkin of Malvern; her cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Noah, Kylie, Logan, Tucker, and Stiles; her brother, Jason (Sherrie) Stevens; her nephew, Jay Stevens; her niece, Valie Stevens; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Paula loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life. She was known for her kind heart and caring spirit, often becoming a second mother to many of her children’s friends throughout the years. Paula never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for others will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Her memory will forever be treasured by her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 P.M., with visitation beginning one hour prior, at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Social Hill Cemetery.
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