Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville

11/24/2025

William (Bill) Pendergrass, 79, of Lowell, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Washington Regional Hospital.

Bill was born February 22, 1946 in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas the son of the late Johnnie and Alberta Pendergrass.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie and Alberta Pendergrass and brother Charles.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Joyce Neil Pendergrass of the home; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Marchant (Ronnie), Loretta Hartgrave, both of Lowell; brother-in-law Gene Neil of Lowell; and many nieces and nephews.

A devoted husband, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, Bill will be remembered by his honesty, humor and generosity. He worked as a Fixture Shop Supervisor at Wal-Mart and was known for his craftsmanship and dedication to his family.

Visitation will be Friday from 10-11am at First Baptist Church of Lowell. A celebration of Bill’s life will begin at 11am with Pastor Johnny Harp officiating. Interment will follow at Benton County Memorial Park located in Rogers.

Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Church of Lowell, “The General Fund,” 409 Johnson Avenue, Lowell, Arkansas 72745.

11/24/2025

Troy Dale Curren, age 64, of Jane, Missouri, died November 10, 2025 at Circle of Life Hospice Care in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born February 19, 1961 in Borger, Texas the son of Gilbert and Martha Sue Curren.

The Curren family moved to Bentonville in 1971 and Dale was active in sports, playing baseball and basketball and particularly excelling in track and football. He liked the rough and tumble of Tiger football playing mostly in the defensive backfield. Dale loved the water, both swimming and fishing. He had a propensity for catching fish no matter the water source, whether a river, lake ocean, or just a pond. When no one else was catching fish, he seemed always to find a way to catch them. Dale also had a great interest in plants, trees and gardening so farm life was a natural fit for his instincts.

Dale had an immense love of life and all living things. His knowledge of ecosystems made him a master-class fisherman and most successful gardener. He possessed an infectious laugh that made him recognizable anywhere. Dale had a deep love for the people who were loveless and downtrodden. “You’ve got to love and accept people despite their flaws and shortcomings.”

Dale was preceded in death by his grandparents and by his younger brother Joel Michael. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Jean Curren, and by his two sons, Cameron Curren and Drew Curren of Jane, Missouri. He is also survived by his parents, Gil and Sue Curren of Bentonville and his older brother, Scott Curren of Powell, Missouri.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

11/20/2025

Kenneth Earl Michaels, 68, of Clarksville was taken suddenly from this earth on November 11, 2025 in Coal Hill. He was born February 12, 1957 in Terre Haute, Indiana to James Kenneth Michaels and Theola Joy Ellis Michaels.

Kenneth had lived in the Clarksville area for around 20 years after moving from the Bentonville/Rogers area where he spent most of his life. Kenneth was retired and enjoyed traveling. He was a very devoted Christian and was deeply involved in several churches in his area. Kenneth liked to spend his time going for walks and visiting with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Melinda Mahurin.

Survivors include his two brothers: Christopher Michaels (Linda) of Rogers and Timothy Michaels; one sister, Sandy Michaels of Hartman; several nieces and nephews; and his church family.

Kenneth will be remembered and celebrated at a memorial service on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 2:00pm at Epting Funeral Home of Gravette, Arkansas. A reception will follow at his brother’s shop next to the funeral home.

11/12/2025

Aaron Richard Brauer, 50, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away on November 6, 2025. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he joined the Brauer family in Aurora, Illinois, alongside his older sister and younger brother. In 1980, the family relocated to Sandwich, Illinois, where Aaron attended school and graduated from Sandwich High School.

In high school, Aaron was a standout for his charisma, dark sense of humor, and fearless spirit. Qualities that cemented lifelong friendships. He was fiercely loyal and protective, always there for those he loved. An active athlete, he participated in football, wrestling, and track & field.

In 1997, Aaron married Joanna, his partner of nearly three decades. Together they raised four children: Michelle, Ariel, Aidan, and Mia. Fatherhood transformed him from a wild young man into a devoted patriarch—responsible, dependable, and unwavering in his love for his family.

For 28 years, Aaron built a distinguished career at Walmart, starting as an entry-level associate in Plano, Illinois, and rising to Senior Labor Relations Manager at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville. Colleagues admired his work ethic and magnetic personality.

Aaron lived life with gusto. He was a self-proclaimed (and remarkably consistent) casino winner, a diehard Packers and White Sox fan, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures: shooting at the range, bowling with friends, antiquing, riding his motorcycle, and tending his yard. He cherished trips to New Orleans with Joanna, annual outings to the Sandwich Fair, poolside relaxation, and spirited karaoke and card games with family. His practical jokes were legendary.

Aaron was preceded in death by his sister, Audra, and his father, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Joanna; daughters Michelle, Ariel, and Mia; son Aidan; mother Sarah and brother Kirk.

Aaron’s legacy is one of loyalty, laughter, and love; a life fully lived, deeply felt, and forever remembered.

“It is what it is.”

11/12/2025

Pamela Wilcox, 82, of Rogers died peacefully on October 21, 2025 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. She was born on December 6, 1942 to Erroll Kenyon Wilcox Jr. and Gwendolyn Clark in Norwich, Connecticut.

Pamela graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Southern Connecticut State College in 1964. Post-graduation she attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with a Masters in Education in 1971. She taught Physical Education for many years in Connecticut before moving to Arkansas. While living in Arkansas she worked for the Department of Human Services.

Pamela enjoyed reading fiction literature, playing bridge and puzzles. She also raised and showed llamas on a national level and won several awards. Some of her favorite activities in life she shared with her late-wife Annelaine Lotrek. Together they loved traveling and camping in their RV, attending musicals, entertaining guests and visiting their friends. They had a dog, Alfie, and two cats, Scamper and Sodie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, wife, Annelaine Lotrek, and one brother.

Pamela leaves behind the family of Annelaine and many loving friends that will miss her dearly.

Donations in Pamela’s honor can be made to the Humane Society for Animals in Rogers.

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

William Arthur Alessi, 86, of Rogers died Sunday, November 2, 2025 at a skilled nursing facility in Rogers. He was born on January 25, 1939 in Forrest City, Arkansas the son of Dixie and John Alessi.

Willie, as he was affectionately known, worked many years in commercial construction. He enjoyed growing up on a country farm in eastern Arkansas and happily shared those memories with family and friends. He was a fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and was able to attend many football, basketball, and baseball games and bowl games. He became interested in roses upon retirement and had as many as 300 hybrid tea and miniature roses. He was a member of the local chapter of the American Rose Society winning numerous awards for his roses. He spent many hours cultivating his roses and shared them with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia Alessi, daughter Karen Kay Alessi, brother Johnny Alessi, sisters Lorelie Alessi and Sandra Gooley.

Willie is survived by daughters Carmen Ann Alessi of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Sharen Lynn Meyers and husband Larry Meyers of Bend, Oregon; siblings Paul Thomas Alessi of San Antonio, Texas; Mary Lynn Zvara of Evansville, Indiana; Diane Zeller of Carol Stream, Illinois and one nephew, four nieces, and one granddaughter.

He was interred at Cave Springs Cemetery. The family is currently making plans for a celebration of Willie’s life which will be held on January 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. During Willie’s career in construction, he built the foundation of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and he donated to St. Jude’s up until his death.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-now&sc_dcm=137187318174&sc_cid=kwp&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1285465&ds_rl=1291300&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17681679263&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN7QJAjekwZu9YWO3TCWU4j4I&gclid=CjwKCAiA2svIBhB-EiwARWDPjvvkVK2zpRO2I_3AZx1HZ8N9eh3hM0i-pVf1pP_LxJ9tmLcOg4p1yhoCqiMQAvD_BwE

11/10/2025

Julian Knight of Bentonville, Arkansas died on Friday, November 7th, 2025 under the care of Circle of Life Hospice. He was born November 13th, 1943 in Muhlenberg Co. Kentucky the last of five children born to Etta and Basil Knight.

Julian was a 1961 graduate of Drakesboro Kentucky High School. On weekends he was a guitar player for a band located in Mayfield, Kentucky and they performed in five different states. After graduation he traveled to East Chicago, Indiana to live with relatives and play music in the local area until he was old enough to go to work in the steel mill, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1993 from Inland Steel.

He was a first Lieutenant in Civil Air Patrol, Counter Drug Air Crew out of Evansville, Indiana. He was also a Golden Eagle Society Kentucky Colonel. He supported many Military charities, Indian and Jewish organizations, and was a member of the Moose and Elks Lodges.

He was preceded in death by three special brothers, Loren, Cecil, and Ulyss; one sister, “sissy”; his parents, Etta and Basil; and two special ladies, Agnes Dukes and Wanda Stover.

He is survived by his wife of 2 1/2 years, Phyllis Thompson Knight; two sons, Chris Knight of Tennessee, and Karl Knight of Indiana; one brother-in-law, Earl Thompson of Greenville, Kentucky; many special friends in Muhlenberg Co.; Jules Mominee of Evansville, Indiana, and two step-sons, Larry and Jeff Oxley of Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Life in Bentonville.

A Celebration of Life will be held for him on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the community room of the Osage Terrace Apartment Complex in Bentonville, Arkansas, officiated by Joel Gardner.

11/04/2025

Glenn Dale Thornhill, age 78, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born on November 18, 1947 in Rogers, Arkansas to Freeman Conrad and Valaree Ruth Thornhill (Todd).

Glenn grew up in Northwest Arkansas, and when he was old enough, he joined the United States Navy, receiving his GED, and served from December 1966 until September of 1970, having been deployed to Vietnam on four occasions as a minesweeper support, and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After his discharge from the military, he went on to work with his father as a Machine Operator at the Harris Baking Company.

Glenn enjoyed auto mechanics, Nascar, fishing and hunting. He was a great husband to his wife and a good father to five children.

He was preceded in death by his father, Freeman; his wife of almost 40 years, Terrel Frasure; one son, Tod Fabrizio; and two sisters, Caroline and Bernice.

Glenn is survived by his mother, Valaree Thornhill; four children, Alan Frasure (Kolleen) of Bentonville, Misti Martin (Dan) of Eureka Springs, Erin Fabrizio of West Fork, and Amy Fabrizio of Springdale; four siblings, Cecil Thornhill (Paula) of Temple, Texas, Joe Thornhill of Oklahoma City, Paul Thornhill (Kim) of Washburn, Missouri, and Linda Thornhill; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be placed beside his wife Terrel at the Fayetteville National Cemetery at a later date to be announced.

10/30/2025

Our beautiful baby boy Will was born sleeping on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Though his time with us was short, he filled our hearts with endless hope and love. We will hold Will in our hearts forever and find comfort in knowing he is cradled in love and peace that even the smallest feet leave footprints on our hearts.

Will Fisher Lewellen is the infant son of Trey and Claire Parkerson Lewellen and loved very much.

Will is survived by: his parents of Lowell, his paternal grandparents; Paul and Sharon Lewellen, of Cave Springs, his maternal grandparents; Kevin and Beverly Parkerson, of Elm Springs, his big brother; Paul Lewellen, of Lowell, many aunts and uncles; Hanna and Jeremy Hooe, of Cave Springs, and Colton and Abby Moorman, of Bentonville.

A private graveside service will be held at Bentonville Cemetery.

10/30/2025

Marlys Erickson, age 83, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025.

Marlys was born on November 19, 1941 in St Hilaire, MN to Raymond & Clara McWilliams.

She married Robert William Erickson on September 16, 1961 in Newton, IA.

Marlys was a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church and was an active member of the church.A faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Marlys was deeply committed to her church community. Whether through her involvement in church activities or her steady presence in worship.

Shedevoted much of her professional life to serving as an accountant for the Texas District office of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), where her diligence and integrity earned the respect of all who worked alongside her.

Marlys was preceded in death by her son Steven Robert Erickson in 2008 and her husband Robert William Erickson on April 24, 2024.

She is survived by daughter: Nancy Evans (Thomas) of Bentonville, AR and grandchildren Morgan Evans and Emily Evans of Bentonville, AR.

Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 Monday November 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Marlys will be laid to rest after the memorial service at the IOOF Cemetery , 1117 E 7th St, Georgetown, TX 78626.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask you to consider making a contribution to Faith Lutheran Church 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628; 512-863-7332

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

10/28/2025

Kathy Baxter, 72, of Decatur, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Kathy spent her life surrounded by family, books, and music. She built a meaningful—if sometimes frustrating—career as a school librarian and media specialist, teaching for many years in the Pea Ridge and Gentry school districts before retiring a decade ago.

Kathy’s love of literature extended far beyond her work. She was an avid collector of autographed books, each one representing a story and a memory she cherished. In retirement, she set herself the ambitious goal of reading all 1,500-plus autographed books she had accumulated over the years.

She also loved concerts and the thrill of live music—from Neil Diamond to Ozzy Osbourne – she was up for anything. She loved long drives in the country, mountain views and a good B&B BBQ sandwich.

Kathy was deeply devoted to her daughters, Ashley Panos and Elizabeth Baxter, who could count on her for anything.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dale Wiley; her sister, Willa Lincks; and her beloved daughter, Elizabeth Baxter, who passed earlier the same year. Her sister, Joy Marley, passed away after Kathy’s death.

While there are no plans for a funeral or memorial service, her family and friends will honor her memory in their own ways.