If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
Delores Jean Nicklaus (Jean), 93, of Benton, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Encore Hospital in Bryant surrounded by her family. She was born October 5, 1932 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Charles and Pearl Peeler. Mrs. Nicklaus was retired from Crank’s grocery and a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Benton congregation.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell Nicklaus; brother, Buck Peeler; sister, Edith Reynolds; two sons-in-law, J.W. Mabry and Archie Thomas Sr.; and one great-grandson, Larry Joe Hicks.
Survivors include her two daughters, Donna Mabry and Teresa Thomas; two granddaughters, Stephanie Earnest and husband Scott and Shelley Brown and husband Tom; one grandson, Archie Thomas Jr. and wife Gretel; five great-grandchildren, Tyler Hicks, Tanner Hicks, Tea Davis and husband J.T., Quentin Thomas, and Spencer Thomas; two great-great-grandchildren who were the love of her life, JT3 and Delilah Davis; four nieces, Joyce Ann, Patty, Cheryl, and Cathy; and one nephew, Mike.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 2 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Phillis Jane Elliott, a wife, beloved mother, grandmother, and member of First Baptist Church of Benton, peacefully passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born on February 7, 1944, in Lonsdale, Phillis was the daughter of W.L. (Wid) Harris and Violet Gentry. She was raised in a home filled with love and the joy of family gatherings. She attended Rual Dale and Benton High School before pursuing her passion for cosmetology, obtaining her license and using her talents to bring beauty to others.
Phillis was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Geneta Nelson, Melba Tyler, and her daughter-in-love Robin Elliott. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Frank, their three children, Jay, Craig (Gina), and Kris (James), as well as her seven beloved grandchildren: Sara, Amber, Anna, Emily (Greg), Mollie (Jackson), Melissa (Zach), and Marilee. Additionally, she leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Brandy Lynn, Carter and John Ryan who brightened her days with laughter and love.
Phillis’s life was a testament of faith. She will be remembered for her love of singing in church choir, working at Mother’s Day Out and the Church Nursery. She enjoyed sending Bible verses to her granddaughters daily. It was important to have a home of hospitality through her life by being a hostess to multiple choir parties, wedding showers, birthday parties and teens when her boys were young along with family reunions.
As we mourn her passing, let us find comfort in the knowledge that her broken body has been healed and called home to Heaven and reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord”
Jeremiah 30:17
May her legacy of faith and love continue to inspire us all, and may we take solace in the hope of believers having a joyful reunion in the everlasting embrace of God’s grace. Phillis Jane Elliott will be dearly missed and forever remembered in our hearts.
Visitation and Service are at Ashby’s Funeral Home in Benton starting at 10am Saturday Ashby Funeral Home funeral services will be at 11:00 AM. Graveside service will be at Owensville Cemetery, Owensville, AR immediately following. Donations to Gideons International Bibles or First Baptist Church Building Fund would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
READ MORE OBITUARIES BELOW
Gerald “Milton” Paxton Jr., 63, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on February 19, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1963, in Benton, where he spent much of his life and built the family and friendships he cherished so deeply.
He survived by his wife, Samantha Tolin; daughter Amber Hood (Justin); son Joshua Paxton; grandson Brannen Hood. Father Gerald M. Paxton Sr. sisters Durenda Paxton Young and Donna Paxton-Sikes (Barry); brothers Stanley Paxton and Gordon Paxton. Eleven nieces and nephews and Nineteen great nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly. Close friends Steve and James Shepard, along with many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Carman-Paxton and brother-in-law Don Young. Grandparents Stanley and Opal Paxton and Lawrence and Murner Carman.
Milton was a member of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and served as a deacon.
Milton worked for many years as a service manager specializing in washing machine and dryer repair. He took pride in his work and was known for being dependable and skilled at what he did. If something was broken, Milton was the one you wanted to call. He believed in doing a job right and never shied away from hard work.
More than anything, Milton loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather. Those who knew him best will remember his gentle nature, his steady presence, and the way he was always ready to lend a hand. Whether it was helping a friend, offering advice, or simply being there when someone needed him, Milton showed his love through his actions.
He especially enjoyed fishing trips with his family – time spent on the water, telling stories, laughing, and making memories that will now be treasured even more.
Milton will be remembered for his kind heart, his strong work ethic, and the quiet way he showed up for the people he loved. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.
Phyllis A. Ford Richmond of Benton passed on to her heavenly home on February 24, 2026. She was 84 years old. Phyllis was born April 24, 1941, in San Francisco, California, to Herbert and Dorsie Ford. Phyllis married the love of her life, Curtis Richmond, on November 14, 1959.
Phyllis had a passion for hairstyling. She was a lifelong cosmetologist. She also had a strong love for the Lord. She was a member of Holland Chapel Church until she was home bound. In her younger days, she loved riding motorcycles with her husband. They even raced together. Phyllis and Curtis had two children, Allen and Rhonda. They were married for 46 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, her parents, Herbert and Dorsie, her son, Allen Richmond, as well as her brother Floyd Ford.
She was survived by her daughter, Rhonda Richmond; 6 grandchildren: Cynthia Duvall (Patrick), Krystle Rogers, Dustin Buck, Justin Buck (Heather), Angela Buck, Corey Richmond (Katie); 12 great grandchildren: JB Hood (Azyah), Weston Davis, Jorden Overton, Dakota Remsing, Conner Buck, Chelsea Buck, Jennifer Buck, Carlee Buck, Kellie Buck, Jedda Barnes, Allie Richmond, Chevy Richmond; 1 great-great grandchild, baby girl Hood, due in August; and 1 brother, Franklin Ford (Juanita); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We, as a family, would like to thank hospice for all they did to help in her final days.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brad Terry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who passed away suddenly at home at the age of 61.
He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Natalie, whose life was beautifully intertwined with his through decades of love, commitment, and shared memories. He was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Tonya Lawson and her husband Josh, and Tiffany Watkins and her husband Nathan Watkins. Nothing brought him greater joy than being ”Tiny” to his two grandsons, James and John Watkins. His playful spirit, warm hugs, and endless teasing made every moment with them unforgettable.
Known for his goofy personality and endless supply of jokes, he had a special gift for making people smile. Whether it was a well-timed punchline, a silly grin, or one of his classic dad jokes, he never missed an opportunity to fill a room with laughter. His humor was how he showed love.
Brad was also an ordained minister, a calling he carried with humility and sincerity. He took great pride in sharing his faith, offering encouragement, and walking alongside others during some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether through prayer, counsel, or quiet example, he sought to reflect God’s love in the way he lived and served.
An avid cowboy shooter, he found tremendous joy and fellowship in the cowboy shooting community. The countless friends and fellow cowboys he shot alongside will deeply miss his stories, his camaraderie, and his unmistakable spirit. His church family and many dear friends will remember his faithful heart and the kindness he showed so freely.
He is also survived by his sister, Kim Cunningham; his nephew, Blake; his niece, Bailey Abram and her husband Noah; and great-nephew Axton, who will cherish his memory always.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the love he gave so freely and the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy of laughter, faith, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to family. His boots may now rest, but his stories, his jokes, and his love will live on in all of us.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 26, 2026 from 6-8:00pm at Roller Alcoa in Benton. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00pm also at Roller Alcoa. Graveside to followCameron Cemetery on Samples Road.
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
