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Redona Kay Compton

Redona Kay Compton, 74, of Benton passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026. She was born in Marion, Arkansas, 

Redona was known for her creativity and deep love for her family. An avid quilter, she considered one of her greatest joys to be making a quilt for each of her grandchildren—a gift of love that will be treasured for generations to come. She also enjoyed knitting, Sudoku puzzles, and card games with family. She loved wholeheartedly. Despite her struggles in life, she never lost sight of that love and her faith. She will be dearly missed and the lives she touched will be forever grateful for the time God graced her on this earth.

Redona was preceded in death by her parents, J.P. and Pauline Handley; her son, Ian P. Wilcox; and her siblings, Jeff P. Handley and Mary Sue James.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Cassandra (Gary Pearson), Buddy (Casey McClain), and Mandilynn; her grandchildren, Katherine, Maxwell, Elizabeth, Justin, Ashley, and Regan; and her siblings, Sarah, Ruby, Priscilla, Paula, James, Floda Jean, and Era Renae.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Wright’s Chapel Church, 2307 South Market Street, Benton, AR 72015, where family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Redona’s life and share memories.

Interment will be at Palestine Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her son, Ian.

 

Caterina Caroline Venitucci

Caterina Caroline Venitucci, age 64, passed away on July 15, 2026. She was born on March 8, 1962, in Kilgore, Texas to Gino Venitucci and the late Mildred (Brady) Venitucci. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved son, Alexander Bolanos and his wife, Sara; her treasured grandsons, Judah and David Bolanos; her father, Gino Venitucci; her brothers, Luis Venitucci and his wife, Loretto, and Walter Venitucci and his wife, Carla; her nephew, Logan Venitucci; and a host of extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Caterina was a remarkable woman whose intelligence was matched only by her generous heart. She was very well educated from a student at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, CO, to doing post-graduate research at the University of Cambridge, to becoming a certified teacher through the University of Houston and Southwest Texas State University specializing in bilingual education, then moving on to get certifications as an MCSE and Novell CNE and CNI and getting her BS in economics from the University of Utah. Furthermore, she earned her Masters in Business Administration and Finance from Duke University. From ESL teacher to Vice President at Continental Carbon Co., she left a lasting impact wherever she went. Her last position suited her well as a manager consultant. She was able to thrive as a trusted leader and compassionate mentor. She was in the business of building relationships and had the unique gift of connecting with others. She was well traveled and she spoke several languages, making friends all over the world.

Caterina’s greatest joy came from caring for the people she loved. She was always on the go, rarely thinking of herself before thinking of someone else. Her kindness was evident in the countless ways she helped others, offering her time, her knowledge, even her own home, whatever support was needed, she was beyond generous.

At her home, and even others’ homes, you would find Caterina in the kitchen. She was an exceptional cook who loved sharing recipes and teaching culinary skills. Her laughter lit up the room. She also took great pride in her garden, winning the neighborhood’s Garden-of-the-Month (more than once). She found peace in the mountains and always dreamed of the next time she could go skiing. She was a horse whisperer.

Student, teacher, colleague, leader, mentor, neighbor, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, Nonna. She adored her grandsons, Judah and David, and there was no greater happiness than spending time with them. They loved their Nonna dearly and will forever cherish the memories of her love, playfulness, and bringing storybooks to life!

Caterina’s legacy is one of courage, strength, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love. She lived with purpose, gave without expecting anything in return, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

 

Wanda Lou Boardman

Wanda Lou Boardman, 83, of Bryant, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on July 19, 2026. She was born on December 8, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late M.L. and Cleo (Cureton) Brod.

Wanda dedicated many years of her career to Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she worked as an Insurance Supervisor. While she took pride in her work, nothing compared to the joy she found in her family. She was incredibly giving, quick to forgive, and always put the needs of those she loved before her own. She loved deeply, gave generously, and made everyone blessed to call her family or friend feel truly cherished.

There was no title Wanda cherished more than “Mom” and “Grandma.” She was the definition of a devoted boy mom, supporting her sons in everything they loved. Whether it was football, motocross , four-wheelers, or any new adventure, Wanda was always there—cheering from the stands, encouraging from the sidelines, and making sure her boys knew they had her unwavering support. She never missed a game her sons or grandchildren played and celebrated every accomplishment as if it were her own. One of her proudest memories was watching her son earn a starting position on his high school varsity football team as only a sophomore.

Her greatest happiness came from simply being present for her family. Wanda loved her seven grandchildren more than anything in the world, and her greatest joy was spending time with each of them. Her love, encouragement, and faithful presence created a legacy that will continue for generations. Her sons often said she did right by them, and they remain deeply grateful for every sacrifice she made and every way she showed up for them throughout their lives.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved son, Gary Boardman; her parents, M.L. and Cleo (Cureton) Brod; and her brothers, Junior Brod and Charlie Brod.

Wanda leaves behind her cherished family including her son, Kenny Boardman and wife Lisa; her grandchildren, Ashley Smith and husband Adam, Tyler Boardman and wife Jennifer, Cole Boardman, Kayla O’Briant and husband Sutton, Cameron Boardman, Chandler Boardman, and Chase Boardman; her great-grandchildren, Aden Smith, A’Leah Smith, Clayton Smith, Kennedy Smith, Noah Boardman, Blaine O’Briant, and Weston O’Briant; her sisters, Patsy Padgett and husband Bobby Joe and Donna Brooks and husband Stan; her sisters-in-law, Mary Brod and Judy Brod; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.

Wanda’s life was a beautiful example of unconditional love, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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Norma Loretta Gault

Norma Loretta Gault, age 94, of Benton, passed away peacefully and entered her heavenly home. She was born on September 30, 1931, in Saline County to John Franklin Moore and Evelyn Robinett Moore.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, John Franklin Moore and Evelyn Robinett Moore; her beloved husband, George L. Gault; her son, George Michael Gault; and her daughter, Rhonda Kruhler.

She is survived by her daughter, Belinda Gault Reynolds, along with many dear friends and other loving relatives who will cherish her memory.

Norma worked for the Benton Service Center and was also a devoted homemaker. Above all else, she was a loving mother who dedicated her life to raising her three children. She found joy in watching baseball and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. She also loved shopping, cooking for her family and friends, and making treasured trips to her favorite vacation destination, Eureka Springs.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Hood, John Brizzolara, Wilson Wong, Mark Reynolds, and the compassionate staff of Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Benton with Bro. Clay Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery in Haskell.

Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Dunnington, Kirk Shelnutt, Beau Gault, Bill White, Jimmy Ashley, and Aaron Turner.

 

Donald Leroy Margheim

Donald Leroy Margheim, known to many as “Brother Don” and to others simply as “Dee,” entered the presence of his Savior on July 15, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on October 24, 1941, in Colby, Kansas, to Waldo and Mary Margheim, Don was the oldest of thirteen children. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and providing for others. Those qualities became the foundation upon which he built his life.

While attending high school in Russell, Kansas, Don met the love of his life, Judy Kay. He also began working in the oilfields as a roughneck while still a senior in high school. They were married on May 28, 1960, beginning a partnership that spanned sixty-six years.

The young couple moved to Sidney, Nebraska, where the oil boom provided opportunities to build a life together. During those years, Don advanced to the position of driller. According to family tradition, he drilled Nebraska’s first one-mile-deep oil well, a story that reflected the pioneering spirit of those early oilfield days and the pride his family took in his work.

In 1968, the family moved to Gillette, Wyoming, where Don joined Virg’s Testers and became an integral part of the company. After the company was sold, Don partnered with Virg to establish Star Testers. Through determination, integrity, and countless hours of hard work, they built the business before eventually selling it.

Don was a devoted husband and father. He made certain his family had what they needed. He involved his children in his own work and responsibilities, teaching them by example to work hard, be responsible, become independent, and never expect someone else to do what they were capable of doing themselves.

The years in the oilfield established a pattern of faithfulness that remained with Don throughout his life.

For nearly a year, his daughter Leisha faithfully invited him to attend Westside Baptist Church in Gillette, Wyoming. In 1975, on the day she was baptized, Don accepted her invitation and attended the service. During the message, the pastor prayed for Don by name. That morning, Don placed his faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who knew Don before his conversion witnessed a remarkable transformation. His devotion to Christ became the defining priority of his life. From that day forward, he developed the lifelong habit of reading God’s Word every day, a commitment that never wavered until the day he entered the Lord’s presence. Family members often recalled moments when someone would invite him to activities from his former life, and Don would simply reply, “I don’t do that anymore. I accepted Christ.” He never forgot that his own journey of faith began with one simple invitation. Throughout the rest of his life, he believed in the power of one invitation because he had experienced its power for himself.In 1984, Don answered God’s call to ministry. He and Judy sold most of their possessions and moved to Oklahoma City so he could attend Oklahoma Baptist College. His lifelong commitment to teaching God’s Word and serving others was later recognized when the college conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate.

Although Don served in many areas of ministry over the years, his greatest passion was discipleship. Whether working with prison reentry ministries, the Salvation Army, RU Recovery, or serving as assistant pastor in his local church, he found his greatest joy in helping people grow in their faith. For many years, he faithfully served alongside his son-in-law, Guy Kelly. He never sought recognition or the spotlight. He just wanted to be useful wherever God placed him.

People admired Don for his faithfulness. He was a peacemaker who could get along with almost anyone. He approached decisions thoughtfully and carefully, and churches quickly learned they could depend on him. The same work ethic that earned the respect of his coworkers in the oilfield became a blessing in every church he served. Wherever Don worshiped, he became someone others could count on.

Don loved studying Scripture and reading books that deepened his understanding of God’s Word and strengthened his ability to teach others. He would often give books away, believing the right book in the right hands could encourage someone in their faith. But his generosity reached far beyond books. He once gave the family car to a teacher in need. At other times, he borrowed money so he could support missions and meet important needs within the church. Those who knew him often remarked that he possessed the biblical gift of giving. One of his favorite reminders was, “You can’t outgive God.”

Even after declining health limited what he could do physically, Don continued investing in others. He faithfully sent daily Bible lessons by text message, wrote and distributed gospel tracts, encouraged believers, and continued giving. In his final weeks, he quietly passed many of his treasured Bibles and books into the hands of others, still helping people grow in their faith.

Don’s greatest desire was to point people to Christ. His family remembers him as a faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, a dependable friend, a generous giver, and a man who quietly invested his life in others. The lessons he taught, the lives he shaped, and the faith he lived continue through the family he loved and the many people he discipled over the years.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Judy Kay Margheim; his son, Dirk (LaNita) Margheim; his daughter, Leisha (Guy) Kelly; eight grandchildren, Stephen (Geniya) Margheim, Daniel (Macie) Margheim, Matthew Margheim, Lydia (Colten) Murphy, Caleb (Michelle) Kelly, Hannah (Clayton) Stevicks, Joshua (Brooke) Kelly, and Rebekah (Ethan) Lunow; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Beck Murphy, Declan Margheim, Nehemiah Margheim, Emma Margheim, Carter Kelly, Chloe Stevicks, Clayton Stevicks Jr., Judson Stevicks, Jocelyn Stevicks, Jett Lunow, Poppy Kelly, Jaycie Lunow, and Weston Stevicks.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Jean West, Patricia Goodwin, Rebecca Dickman, Waldo “Woody” Margheim, Laura Faye Margheim, and Robert Margheim.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Mary Margheim, and his siblings, Katherine Coffman, Jerry Margheim, Steve Margheim, Mike Margheim, Kenneth Margheim, and Joyce Margheim.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church, 4910 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Baptist Church in honor of Don’s lifelong commitment to the work of the Gospel.

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