Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas November 11th
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Vance Ovie Nutt
Vance Ovie Nutt passed away at the age of 91 on November 9, 2026, at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas where he succumbed to heart failure. He was born on April 9, 1935, in Malvern, Arkansas.
He was married to the love of his life, Virline Ford Nutt, for 68 years until her death in October 2023. Vance and Virline had three daughters: Gay, Toni, and Paula. He was a doting husband and loving father, and probably the best grandfather and great-grandfather a kid could dream up even if they tried hard.
After dedicating his life to serving God in his early thirties, he graduated from the Missionary Baptist Seminary, also known as “preacher school,” in Little Rock, Arkansas. He pastored for over 55 years at Missionary Baptist churches in Sheridan (Calvary MBC), Lonsdale (Ten Mile MBC), and Benton (Oak Grove MBC). He was full of faith, but more than just a preacher. He lived his faith, never meeting a stranger. He would talk for hours with random people he encountered, eager to learn their whole life story. He loved unconditionally. His generosity knew no limit, sometimes to his own detriment. He always found time to visit congregants who were grieving, ill, disabled, or otherwise “down and out.” A great cook, he often brought food to those he visited. He preached countless weddings, funerals, and revivals over the years. He brought abundance, joy, and hilarity to every potluck he attended. The depth of his faith was most evident when he eulogized his wife, telling everyone calmly and confidently that he would see Virline again in heaven.
In addition to preaching, he worked with his hands as a brickmason. A remarkable craftsman, he took immense pride in his bricklaying work. It was not uncommon when driving him around for him to point out some structure or fixture on a property he had created with his heavily calloused hands. He carried his bricklayers’ union card for his whole adult life, and often bragged that his fellow brickmasons had at one time elected him their spokesman (before he became a preacher).
He loved spending time outdoors and may have treated some fish and game regulations as “guidelines” from time to time. He believed the incredible beauty of nature was the best evidence of his Creator. His grandchildren, who called him “Pappaw,” were sometimes surprised to learn that he had stashed a can of Coke and some sardines in a tree stump near their deer stand, which he was always quick to share, saying “Get you a snort of this.” This was usually after he spent all day walking the Saline River bottoms with a five-gallon bucket full of rocks, so he could jump up deer for his strategically-placed grandkids to shoot. He never met a baby or a kid he didn’t love, and he could always make them smile or laugh. He wanted everyone to have a little bit of fun every day, and he worked hard to make sure they did.
Vance was preceded in death by his parents Fonza and Eva Nutt, sisters Dorothy Mae Cunningham, Thelma Louada Daniels, Lela Pauline Terrel, Ella Alene Jones, and Evie Corrine Gates, and brothers Calvin Lee Nutt, James Howard Nutt, Bernard Hubert Nutt, Huston Edward Nutt, and Troy Dale Nutt. Since he was the last surviving member of his immediate family, he called himself “the Last of the Mohicans.”
Vance is survived by his daughters, Gay Nutt of Benton, Arkansas, Toni Wiegel (Bob Wiegel) of Benton, Arkansas, and Paula Tinsley (Ed Tinsley) of Little Rock, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Mandi Johnson (Jonathan Johnson), Jesse Wiegel, Micah Wiegel (Lauren Wiegel), Justin Tinsley (Blair Graves), Jordan Tinsley (Colleen Youngdahl), and Julie Schaefer (Aaron Schaefer); and his great-grandchildren, Mary Beth Johnson, Clara Johnson, Jack Johnson, Annaleigh Wiegel, Evie Wiegel, Arnold Tinsley, Carina Tinsley, Sloan Tinsley, Dean Tinsley, and Sophie Schaefer.
A funeral will be held at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway St., Benton, AR 72015, on November 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., and there will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation and funeral and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Vance Nutt to the Cross Roads Mission Fund, Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church, 10019 Lily Drive, Benton, AR 72015, or floral arrangements that can later be shared with local people to enjoy.
Mary Louise Byrd
In the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7, 2026, with her family by her side, Mary Louise Byrd, 78, of Benton, Arkansas, passed from this earth and entered into eternal life. She was born on April 10, 1948, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to George Hosler, Sr. and Frances R. (Bayster) Hosler.
Mary was a woman of faith and a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Little Rock with her son Chuck and his family. She attended until health and mobility challenges limited her attendance. She encouraged her family to embrace their Catholic faith and to pray not only in difficult times but in joyful times as well.
She proudly served her country as a flight medic in the United States Air Force, stationed at Selfridge Air Base in Michigan during the Vietnam War. It was there that she met her future husband, Jerry. Her military service was a source of great pride and reflected her courage, compassion, and willingness to care for others. After their honorable discharge, Mary and Jerry settled in Bauxite. She worked at two local doctors’ offices before becoming a full-time mother to Chuck and Missy. Mary regularly volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and Church and at Pine Haven Elementary, where her children attended school. She also supported Jerry’s service on the Bauxite City Council and with the volunteer fire department.
Of all the titles Mary held throughout her life, perhaps her favorite was “Mammaw.” Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved. Mary also knew how to have a good time! Whether she was playing bingo, trying her luck at the casino, enjoying a shopping trip, or gathering with friends for happy hour at the Arkansas Veterans Home, she embraced life’s simple pleasures. She treasured the friendships she made along the way and the laughter and memories they shared. Mary never met a stranger. She had a beautiful soul that was present even when her health was bothering her.
Mary was preceded in death by Jerry, her husband of more than 50 years; her parents, George Sr. and Frances (Baster) Hosler of Cumbola, Pennsylvania; and her siblings, Dorothy (Hosler) Kaylan and George Hosler Jr., both of Cumbola, Pennsylvania.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Chuck Byrd and wife Kristy; daughter, Missy Byrd; grandchildren, Paige Byrd and fiancé Jack Albert, Jeremiah Byrd and girlfriend Katie Williams, and Ashlyn Gregory; a bonus great-granddaughter, Averie; brother, Charles Hosler and wife Michelle; longtime family friends, Layne Melton of Benton and Charlene and Ron Reber of Pennsylvania; and a host of family and friends who loved Mary and will miss her dearly.
Mary lived a life filled with love for her family, pride in her country, and an appreciation for the good times shared with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she leaves behind will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved her.
The family expresses its sincere gratitude to the surgical intensive care staff at the VA Hospital in Little Rock for their compassionate care of Mary, and to the staff at the Arkansas Veterans Home, Hero Home 6, for their care and support of Mary and her family.
We are also extremely grateful for Jeri Lynn Davenport and the entire staff at Smith-Benton Funeral Home for their care of Mary and the support provided to her family.
A Rosary will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:00–6:30 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, followed by visitation from 6:30–8:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial held Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Andrew Catholic Church, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial following at 3:00 PM at Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery, 13505 US-270, Poyen, Arkansas.
Purple was Mary’s favorite color, and the family invites everyone attending her services to wear purple in her honor.
Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
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Diane Risner
Diane Risner, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 3, 1957, in England, Arkansas, Diane was the cherished daughter of Andrew and Irene Scott, who preceded her in death. She joins them in eternal rest, along with her devoted husband, Donnie Risner.
A proud graduate of England High School, Diane embarked on a remarkable career at Blue Cross Blue Shield, dedicating over 40 years of her life to the company before enjoying a well-earned retirement. Her colleagues and friends remember her as a dedicated and compassionate professional who truly made a difference in the workplace.
Diane’s life was rich with love and laughter, particularly when spent with her beloved daughter, Lindsey Risner, and stepson, Clifton Risner. Her sisters, Jackie Whittaker (George Whittaker- Deceased), Mary Ann Seal (John Seal), Judy Ricci (David Ricci- Deceased), and Sandra “Sandy” Fouts (Roger Fouts- Deceased), held a special place in her heart, and she shared a unique and cherished bond with each of them. Diane’s family extended far beyond blood relations, as she was surrounded by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Diane also had special friends that were like daughters, Stephanie, and Jordan Foster, along with a large adoptive extended family who adored her.
Diane’s joy was infectious, especially when she was out on the dance floor at BJs with friends and family, moving to the tunes of country western music. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donnie, and together they shared countless dances and unforgettable moments. Her cousins, Rebecca Sue Scott and Patricia Prather, were more than family to Diane; they were her sisters in heart, sharing a bond that was unbreakable.
Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, Diane’s spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love, laughter, and dedication continues through her family and friends, who will forever cherish the moments they shared with her. As we remember Diane, we celebrate a life lived with grace, humor, and an unyielding love for those around her.
Visitation will Wednesday November 11, 2026, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd, Benton, AR 72015.
There will also be a visitation Thursday November 12, 2026, at 10:00am. Funeral Service to follow Thursday November 12, 2026, at 11:00am at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 501 Stuttgart Hwy England, AR 72046. Burial to follow at Union Valley Cemetery.
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