If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
Charles Marvin Keesee
Charles Marvin Keesee, age 86, of Benton passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026. He was born October 2, 1939 to James and Catherine Keesee in Haskell. Marvin was a proud graduate of Harmony Grove High, class of 1958. He proudly served in the United States Army and later retired from Alcoa. He faithfully attended Mountain View Missionary Baptist church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school classes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Melvin Keesee, his brother in law Gene Drennan, and his wife Doris Keesee.
Marvin is survived by his sons Randy (Monica) Keesee and Rusty (Teresa) Keesee, 6 grandchildren Christopher (Shayna) Keesee, Shea (Brandon) Grote, Craig (Jennifer) Keesee, Sunee (Sean) Caldwell, Shauna (Caleb) Renfroe, and Laura Keesee, several step grandchildren, a bunch of great grandchildren that he loved dearly, and neighbors Kent and Kelly Weatherly whom he considered family.
Visitation will be held at Ashby funeral home in Benton AR, 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Ashby Funeral Home, followed by burial at James Cemetery on Mt. View Road in Benton. Officiating ministers will be Brother Maxie Haynes and Brother Wade Overturf.
Carrie Earlene Harris
Carrie Earlene Harris, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her home on May 28, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born on September 8, 1942, in Benton, Arkansas at Blakely Hospital. Carrie’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, creativity, and a passion for the world around her.
Carrie was the treasured daughter of Earl James and Elsie Ferguson, who preceded her in death. From a young age, she embraced the joys of rural life, where her adventurous spirit was evident in her fearless endeavors, whether riding horses or calves. This zest for life carried her through Fountain Lake High School, where she graduated in 1960, and later to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she earned her associate degree.
Carrie’s professional journey was as varied and vibrant as her spirit. Her career began at the Saline County Tax Assessor’s office and later at the Benton Police Department in records management. One of her most fulfilling jobs was working for Mays, Crutcher and Brown in Little Rock as Office Manager. However, it was her entrepreneurial spirit that truly shone when she opened her own business in downtown Benton. Her shop, initially known as Creative Needles, eventually transformed into Mulberry Art and Frame, a reflection of her evolution into a natural-born artist. It was here that Carrie discovered her profound passion for creating art, a pursuit that would bring her joy and fulfillment for many years.
On August 19, 1982, Carrie married the love of her life, AH (Skip) Harris. Together, they shared 43 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Carrie’s family was the center of her world, and she is survived by her devoted spouse, Skip, daughter Carole Powell Belew and husband Shawn of Eureka Springs, son James Kevin Trotter and wife Angela of Benton, Her legacy lives on in her 3 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who were the light of her life: Shelby Flenniken and husband Sam, Antonio Balzumati and wife Tori and Emily Trotter, and great-grandchild Olympia Balzumati.
Carrie is also survived by her stepsons Nathan Harris, wife Staci of Charlotte and their children Kieran and Kim, and James Harris and wife Robin of Roland and his children Levi and Miriam.
Carrie’s interests extended beyond her artistic endeavors. She was an avid gardener, whose green thumb brought vibrant blooms to life, and a voracious reader, who found solace and adventure within the pages of countless books. Her favorite place in the world was Pensacola Beach.
A celebration of Carrie’s life will be held on June 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Ashby’s Funeral Home, located at 108 W. Narroway, Benton. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor and remember a life well-lived and a spirit deeply loved.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the UAMS Palliative Care Clinic staff and the staff of Gentiva Health Services for their compassionate care and support.
Carrie Earlene Harris will be remembered for her boundless creativity, her unwavering love for her family, and her ability to bring beauty into the world. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Jack Kimball Wright,
Jack Kimball Wright, age 83 of Haskell, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, May 29, 2026. He was born January 25, 1943 to his parents, Burns P. Wright and Anne May Kimball Wright in Mansfield, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Sue Wright, his parents, Burns P. and Anne Wright and his sister, Sallie Anne Auerswald.
Jack is survived by his two sons, David Wright and Burns (Jean) Wright, one brother, Herbert Wright Sr. (Connie), six grandchildren, Taylor Wright, Hailey Wright, Grace Furr, Brendon Furr, Jack Wright and Jase Wright, one great-grandson, Jameson Youngmen.
“Captain Jack” as many knew him was a Tow Boat Captain for 30 years on the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers until retiring. He enjoyed fishing. Jack is loved by many and will be deeply missed. He will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.
A private viewing was held May 30th at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Betty June Sanders
Betty June Sanders age 73, of Alexander, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026. She was born July 30, 1952 in Greenville, Kentucky.
Betty was preceded in death by her father, Grorge Reed and mother, Sarah Vincent, and step-father, Benny Vincent.
Survivors, fiancée, Joseph Vanderpool, sons, Chris, Scott, and Paul Sanders, brothers, Kenneth Vincent, Mark Vincent and William “Bill” Reed, sister, Brenda Allen, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Cremation services are through Ashby Funeral Home.
READ MORE OBITUARIES BELOW
Celia Denise Costas Oradat
Celia Denise Costas Oradat was born October 1, 1950, in Dallas, Texas. She was a proud first-generation American, born to Anthony N. Costas of Ano Chora, Nafpaktos, Greece, and Mary G. Costas of Baltimore, Maryland.
Denise graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1968 and attended the University of Arkansas before graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas, where she trained as a dental assistant. She worked in the dental field for many years, eventually serving as an office manager.
Denise enjoyed quilting, opera, and ballroom dancing which she taught in her younger years. Music and singing were lifelong passions. She sang in choirs and throughout her church life at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church in Dallas, and later at Coronado Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Denise also had a special gift for hospitality and was known for hosting elaborate parties and celebrations for family and friends.
In 2011 Denise married Cecil Oradat, and together they made their home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling, scenic drives, camping, and sharing time with their beloved church family.
Denise is survived by her husband Cecil Oradat; her brother, Nick Costas; her niece, Jennifer Wright; her goddaughter, Athena Wright; and many beloved relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held on June 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas, Texas with a reception to follow at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas.
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, June 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Allen Family Options Funeral Home in Plano, Texas.
A memorial service will also be held at Coronado Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, on June 16, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are welcome to make donations to the Glioblastoma Research Organization, Coronado Baptist Church, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Shirley Swaim
Shirley Swaim, 76, gained her angel wings and entered her heavenly home, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, laughter, and strength. She was a classy, kind-hearted, resilient woman whose vibrant presence served as a guiding light to her family and friends.
Shirley earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in Business, laying the foundation for a successful and respected career as a Property and Casualty Outside Claims Adjuster. Throughout her career, she was highly regarded for her professionalism, dedication, and integrity. She was also a member of the Society of Claim Law Associates and the Book of Professional Women.
While Shirley took great pride in her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy came from the time she spent with those she loved. She was a devoted and loving mother, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. She possessed a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed shopping, interior decorating, and gathering with family and friends for spirited games of Scrabble and Spades.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Randi Runions; and her four sisters, Joan Deloris Copeland, Toledo Constance Long, Shelia Best, and Judy Florence McClendon.
Shirley is survived by her daughters, Susan R. Brewczynski and husband, Alan, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Melissa K. Ray of Conway, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Jordan Highland, Madison Brown, and Lauren Blansett-Stillman and husband, Cole; her great-grandchildren, Blakely Runions, Mason Runions, Jace Miller, Peyton Brown, Arie Brown, Ezra Slayton, Audrey Tindell, Randi-Celeste Rothrock, Kennedy Rothrock, Aubrey Blansett, and Autumn Stillman; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though she will be deeply missed, Shirley’s wisdom, grace, and the warmth she brought to every room will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 Highway 5 North, Bryant, Arkansas 72022.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Crestlawn Memorial Park, 472 U.S. Highway 64, Conway, Arkansas 72032.
The family invites all who knew and loved Shirley to join them in celebrating a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to those whose lives she touched.
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
