Betsy Florence Benton

Betsy Florence (Ross) Benton, 101, of Salem, Arkansas passed from this life Friday, April 22, 2022, at Salem, Arkansas. Betsy was born February 11, 1921, to Peter Hansen Ross and Violet Mary (Wallace) Ross.

Betsy spent her working years as an Assistant Buyer in retail sales and raising her family.  Betsy was active in DAR, Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Colonists, American Cancer Society, and Salem Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #521. She was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Batesville, Arkansas. She was also a first generation American, her mother being from Canada and her father from Denmark. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Betsy leaves to mourn her passing, two sons, Thomas H. Benton of Salem, Arkansas and William J. Benton of Salem, Arkansas; two daughters, Susan Benton Dempsey (John) of Frisco, Texas and Margaret Benton (Barbara Smith) of Longmont, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Dempsey of Batesville, Arkansas, Chris Dempsey (Amy) of Frisco, Texas, Sarah Benton Keen (Brian) of Salem, Arkansas, Matthew Benton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Hannah Benton Boaz (Josh) of Rogers, Arkansas, Meghan Benton Birkner (Cody) of Gravette, Arkansas, and Ben Benton (Kassandra) of Shreveport, Louisiana; twelve great grandchildren, Connor Dempsey, Camryn Dempsey, Caden Dempsey, Luke Keen, Madeline Keen, Catherine Rose Keen, Marley Benton, Gemma Benton, Olivia Bishop, Brookelyn Cruse,  Charlotte Benton, and Amelia Benton; many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her son (Russell J. Benton, Jr.), great grandson (Wyatt Benton), parents, four brothers (Eddie, Gordon, Bob, and Jimmy), and sister (Ollie).

Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Rev. Jim McDonald and Rev. Ken Anderson officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until time of service Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Salem United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas or the Salem Cemetery Association in Salem, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.