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Charles Arthur McElroy
Charles Arthur McElroy was born on December 14, 1937, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in Benton, Arkansas. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Mary Sue McElroy, and his daughters, Cindy Summerville and Bigi Britten.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Charles was known as a hardworking and intelligent man who took great pride in his family and his work. He owned and operated several businesses alongside his beloved wife, Sue. He was a talented craftsman who spent countless hours in his woodworking shop.
Charles was a faithful servant at Gravel Hill Baptist Church and Congo Road Baptist Church. One of his favorite verses was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
He is survived by his five children, Tom and Marsha McElroy, Tim and Mary McElroy, Lori Baker, Kathy and Steve Schultz, and Ginger Haley, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brothers Ronnie, Gary, and Dennis McElroy, and his cherished cat, Bum, who was his constant companion in latter years.
Charles loved deeply and was deeply loved. He will be remembered for his strength, dedication, and the steady presence he gave to those around him.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Benton Family Funeral Home, located at 322 North Market Street in Benton, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Benton.
Serving as pallbearers are Matt Schultz, Hunter Schultz, Mike Taber, Jimmy Baker, Joey Castiglia, and Vincent Castiglia. Honorary pallbearers are Junior Dickerson, Jack Bulhoes, and Langston Bulhoes.
The family would like to thank Saline Memorial Hospital and Gentiva Hospice, with a special thanks to Tim, Tom, Annie, and Joey for the loving care shown over this past year.
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Teresa Lynn Raper
Teresa Lynn Raper, a loving mother, daughter, sister, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026. She was born on May 8, 1956, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Teresa’s life was centered around the people she loved, and her kind, caring heart made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Teresa spent many years working at Huckabees in Tull, Arkansas, and later as a caseworker at Birch Tree Communities. Caring for others wasn’t just her job—it was who she was. She devoted herself to taking care of her parents, doing so with love and without complaint. Whether it was doctor’s appointments, trips to the lake, or family vacations to Branson, Teresa was always there, putting others first in a way that came naturally to her.
She loved being near the water and found peace at the lake or the ocean. Teresa also enjoyed camping and spending time outdoors, where she felt most at home. She had a vibrant spirit that showed in everything she did, especially in the way she loved her family. She also enjoyed simple things in life, including fresh vegetables—especially homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers—which she truly loved.
Her daughters—Heather Raper Rivera, Courtney Raper Campbell (Aaron), and Brittanie Raper—were her world. She never missed their games or practices and was always their biggest supporter. Teresa had a special way of making holidays and celebrations feel magical, adding her own “gold sparkle” to every moment. Known as a bit of a “bougie diva,” she was loved and spoiled by her parents and her brother, Gary Eugene Spann, who was not only her protector but also her best friend.
Family also fondly remembers all the laughter and shenanigans Teresa shared with her best bud of 36 years, Diane Coffman. The two of them were inseparable, and their friendship was filled with joy, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished forever.
She leaves behind her husband Greg Raper, daughters Heather, Courtney, and Brittanie; her grandchildren Jayce Ryan Cotton Shelnutt, Aaron “Austin” Campbell, Jadelynn Brooke Rivera, Jay Zander Rivera, Alexis Brooke Wyles , and Pailyn Grace Rhodes; her best bud of 36 years, Diane Coffman; along with many other family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
Teresa was preceded in death by her daughter, Cassie Raper; her parents, Coy Cotton and Mary Ellen (Fox) Spann; her brother, Gary Eugene Spann; and her beloved fur baby, Baby Girl.
A visitation to honor Teresa’s life will be held on April 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton. In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, by calling 501-778-7100, to assist in this unexpected expense.
Teresa will be remembered for her love, her loyalty, and the way she showed up for the people in her life every single day. The memories she created and the love she gave will live on in all who knew her.
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