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Wesley “Wes” Brian Gardner
Wesley “Wes” Brian Gardner, 65, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026.
Born on April 29, 1961, and raised in Benton, Wes was a proud Arkansan whose life was defined by baseball, family, friendship, and the outdoors. A gifted athlete from an early age, he attended the University of Central Arkansas before being drafted by the New York Mets in 1982. He went on to fulfill a dream shared by countless young athletes, pitching in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, and later for the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals. Baseball was more than a profession to Wes—it was his passion, his identity, and a source of lifelong friendships and memories.
When he wasn’t on a baseball field, Wes loved being outdoors. Hunting brought him peace and happiness, and he cherished time spent in the woods, especially with good dogs, good friends, and a good story to tell afterward. Those who knew him best understood that baseball and hunting were not simply hobbies; they were the things that made him feel most at home.
Wes was known for his competitive spirit, determination, and unmistakable presence. He was also known as the “Arkansas Hummingbird,” a nickname earned during Channel 7 broadcasts of his pitching. He lived life on his own terms and approached it with the same intensity that carried him from the ballfields of Arkansas to the major leagues.
He is survived by his son, William Wesley Gardner and his wife, Jacqueline; his granddaughter, Natalie; and two sisters, Carol Childs and her husband, Eddie, and Linda Hatch and her husband, Allan.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to those who cared for Wes with compassion, dignity, and kindness during his final days.
Though his playing days ended long ago, the stories, memories, and impact he left behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered as a Major League pitcher, an outdoorsman, a son of Arkansas, and a man who never lost his love for the game.
A celebration of Wes’ life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Ashby Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be William Gardner, Matt Price, Cody Childs, Scott Richey, Wyatt Ferguson, and Walter Hyde.
For those who knew him best, he will always be remembered with a baseball in his hand, a hunting story to tell, and Arkansas in his heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Benton Youth Sports Association (BYSA), a charity that was important to Wes.
Checks may be made payable to “BYSA” and mailed to:
Benton Youth Sports Association
P.O. Box 183
Benton, AR 72018-0183
Please write “In Memory of Wes Gardner” in the memo line.
Rebecca “Becky” Ann McGlamery Blanzenski
Rebecca “Becky” Ann McGlamery Blanzenski, age 78, of Benton, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was born August 26, 1947 in Searcy, Arkansas. Becky spent her early years in Hot Springs and graduated from Bradley in 1965. She lived briefly in North Georgia during her school years but ultimately came back to Bradley.
She was very involved in High School, where she played basketball, played the French Horn in the High School Band along with being a band officer, was on the yearbook staff, was the Senior Class Treasurer, voted “most courteous”, was the Homecoming Queen of 1965, and “Miss Lafayette County” of 1965.
Becky later enjoyed camping, fishing, trips to Hot Springs, and most importantly time with her family.
She fought a long hard battle of cancer and multiple other health issues.
Becky is preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Creger of Hot Springs.
She is survived by two daughters, Sonya Blake of Dallas, Texas and Toni Denise Bearden (Tim) of Benton; two grandsons, Matthew Conner Stacy (Baylee) of Avilla and Bryce Anthony Bearden; two sisters, Reba Jo Whisenhunt of Texarkana and Karen Zick of Chicago, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Becky will be remembered by her kind and generous heart, her beautiful smile & blue eyes, dedication to her family, her inner & outer beauty, and her love for the Lord, Our Savior in Jesus Christ.
May she rest in peace!!!!
A Celebration of Becky’s Life will be 3:00 PM Saturday, June 20 at Saline Missionary Baptist Church, 8210 Hwy 190 N. in Tull.
Please do not send flowers, even though she loved flowers; especially yellow roses. If anything, send a donation to Saline Missionary Baptist Church in her honor.
Mignon Francille Besancon Frazier
Mignon Francille Besancon Frazier, 86, went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2026. She was born in Collegeville, Arkansas on August 26, 1939 to the late Eugene and Julia Marie Besancon.
Mignon graduated from Bryant High School, worked for the Arkansas Highway Department, and then was Secretary at Caldwell Elementary School in Benton. She lived most of her life in Bryant and Benton and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church until she moved to be near her daughter in 2018.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Frazier.
Mignon is survived by two daughters, Donna (Gil) Schmitt of St. Louis Missouri and Diane (Mark) Wootan of St. Augustine Florida; grandchildren, Katie (Jamie) Moore, Jackson Wootan, William Schmitt, Maria Schmitt; and great-grandson, Eli Moore.
Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Friday June 26, 2026 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:30 am at Ashby Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association.
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Doris Marie Mashburn Mathis
Doris Marie Mashburn Mathis, 78, passed away on June 11, 2026.
Born to John Wesley Mashburn and Edith Marie Brewer Mashburn, Doris was a woman of extraordinary strength, perseverance, and faith. As a senior in high school in 1965, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the challenges that followed, she never allowed her illness to define her life. In 1979, at only 32 years old, she underwent her first knee and hip replacement surgeries, beginning a lifelong journey marked by courage and determination.
Doris’s greatest accomplishment was her fight to survive when many believed she would not. After being told she had only months to live, she faced every obstacle with unwavering resolve and went on to raise her son as a single mother. Her life became a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of hope.
During one of the most difficult seasons of her illness, a pastor shared Philippians 4:13 with her: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Those words became her life’s verse and sustained her through countless surgeries, hardships, and painful days. Even when her pain became overwhelming, Doris would simply pray and ask God to “back it up a little,” trusting Him to carry her through.
Doris loved history and possessed an amazing memory. She enjoyed sharing stories and facts with those around her and was known for her determination and resilience. Purple was her favorite color, and she carried herself with a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Duane Mathis (Anila); her granddaughters, Rachel Mathis and Hannah Mathis; her sisters, Shirley Lewis, Kathy Sisco (Jerry), and Donna Dyer (Randy); and her brother, Raymond Mashburn (Sarah).
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley Mashburn and Edith Marie Brewer Mashburn; and her grandparents, Sid and Brunie Brewer and Rosco and Virginia Mashburn.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Alcoa Pines for the compassionate care they provided Doris during the last three and a half years of her life. They also wish to thank the physicians, nurses, emergency room staff, and hospice team at Saline Memorial Hospital for their kindness, care, and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
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