Lila Benson

JONESBORO - Ruth Benson, 84, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at her home. She was born April 3, 1941, in Buffalo, Kan., to the late Harold and Doris Puckett.

Lila was raised in Kansas and was one of 11 children. In 1974, Lila and her husband, Donald, moved to Jonesboro. In 1975, they opened the first Sonic Drive-In in Jonesboro and went on to own several locations in the area. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, shopping, tending to her flower garden, and hummingbirds. She was of the Christian faith.

In addition to her parents, Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Benson; an infant son, Douglas Benson; son-in-law, Lance Smith; and siblings, Gilbert Puckett, Nellie Bancroft, Judy Jones, Eddie Puckett, and Jerry Puckett.

She is survived by her children, Dallas (Kelly) Benson, Karen (Brad) Erney and Laura Smith; grandchildren, Kyle (Jennifer) Priest, William (Hannah) Davidson, Troy (Macey) Davidson and Whitlee Smith; great-grandchildren, Silas Priest, Lillian Priest, Elijah Priest and Charlotte Davidson; siblings, Bill (Rita) Puckett, Larry (Phyllis) Puckett, Mike (Jeannie) Puckett, Doris (Danny) Francis and Phillip Puckett as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

The funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. with Pastor Andy Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include William Davidson, Troy Davidson, Kyle Priest, Silas Priest, Brad Erney, and Doug Pruitt.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Lila's caregivers, Dawn Pate, Barbara Burnside, Tonya Davis, Kay Barnes, Amy Roark, and Emily Scholtens, as well as the staff at Elite Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Arkansas Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com.