Lolita Bennett Keffer

It has been said, “To love and to be loved is the greatest joy on Earth.” For those who knew Lolita Bennett Keffer, this is especially true. Lolita passed away on December 17, 2022. She left a rich legacy of loving others and being loved in return.

Lolita was born on November 23, 1932, in White County, Arkansas. As a young lady, she accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized at Good Springs Baptist Church, which still stands today. 

She graduated from Pangburn High School in 1952. She then married William Lee Keffer and moved to Arkansas County, where they have lived for 70 years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nora Lavena Orman Bennett and Henry Eugene Bennett, brothers Edward Eugene Bennett and Henry Dwane Bennett, sisters Barbara Ann Quattlebaum and Mary Carolyn Lawson, granddaughter Karry Lynn Keffer and grandson Grant Stephen Keffer. 

She is survived by her husband William Lee Keffer, and her four children, Steve (Karen) Keffer, Mary Ann (Ronnie) Case, David Keffer, and Charles Ray (Terri) Keffer; grandchildren Lisa (Greg) Riggins, Lee Keffer, Dylan (Aubrey) Keffer, and Stevie (Kara); great-grandchildren Logan (Emma) Watts, Greyson Riggins, Carson Riggins, Braddock Keffer, Trenton Keffer, Jolea Keffer, Calli Keffer, Kain Keffer, Charlie Keffer, and David Owen Cole Keffer; sisters, Pat Hudson and Jenny Tufts; a very special niece Jamie Martin and nephews Wesley and Randy Staton. Also, Neil Wegert for whom she was a personal guardian for well over 30 years. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as an entire community that she dearly loved. 

She spent her life caring for her family’s every need and she was the glue that kept them together. She loved to cook large meals for them, which often included extra guests. She loved tending her garden and preparing food for her freezer, as well as canning goods and she shared her hard work not only with her family but others in the community. She would help anyone in any way she could, including babysitting other children. She could nurture the fussiest of babies and calm them. Her home was always a special stop for kids (and parents) when they were trick-or-treating because she always had homemade pumpkin bread ready for them. Her kitchen always smelled of a homemade aroma whenever you were there. She made personal wedding cakes and birthday cakes for her family and friends. She loved all critters and always made sure that they were taken care of. She assisted on the farm by driving a Bob Truck and a Grain Cart. She enjoyed selling Avon as her time would allow. One of her favorite services was to work at election polls. She greeted everyone with a smile and a friendly conversation. She loved going to church and singing her favorite hymns with Christian fellowship. Lolita truly loved all and was loved by all that knew her. 

A service to celebrate her life was held at 10:00 a.m. on December 21 at Essex Funeral Home with burial in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens. 

The family would also like to give a special thanks to the Crestpark Nursing Home employees and Dr. Marion Hord.  www.essexfuneralhome.com