Winifred "Winnie" Benton

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Winifred "Winnie" Benton, 70, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday morning at Gosnell Healthcare. She was born on Sept. 29, 1942, to William and Elizabeth Johnston. She was a member of First Christian Church in Blytheville, where she has served as a deaconess.

Winnie was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and she was the sixth of seven children. The house was so small that she and her brother had to sit on the stairs to eat -- no room at the table. As a child, she loved to swing on the lampposts (which got her in trouble, often), climb trees and play field hockey and soccer. Later, she worked for a company that made radios, and she moved to Germany with that company, where she met her first husband (who was in the US Army). She went back to Ireland to have her only child, Michelle, and came to America when Michelle was 3 months old. She didn't drive until she was 50, so she had to walk to run errands and buy groceries. She later went to work for Timex, where she met Buddy Benton. When Timex moved their tool & die section to China, Buddy retired, and they moved to Blytheville to be near their grandchildren, Jordan and Cole Hardy. Buddy had no other living relatives, and her family is in Ireland, so Bill and Clorita Hardy graciously took them in as part of their family. She and Buddy celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary in May 2011 before he passed away in July of 2011. Winnie also worked in a school cafeteria, but most recently enjoyed babysitting in her home.

She loved to read, and she loved her dogs, but more than anything, she loved her daughter and grandchildren. Her friends have fond memories of Winnie. One said she "loved to hear Winnie talk." Someone else said she was a wonderful person, she never met a stranger, she was a good "people person," always smiling, and had a sweet spirit."

Mrs. Benton is predeceased by her husband, Walter Franklin "Buddy" Benton; her parents; and some siblings in Ireland.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hardy; her granddaughter, Jordan Hardy; and grandson, Cole Hardy, all of Blytheville; and some siblings in Ireland.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. today (Sunday) at Carney Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tommy J. Carney officiating. Burial will be in Carney Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Blytheville Prayer Garden at First Christian Church or to the charity of choice

You may offer condolences at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.