Ronnie Duckett

Ronald Dwight Duckett (known as Ronnie, Mr. Duckett, or Gramps), 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by friends and family in Texarkana, Texas, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was born on Tuesday, November 11, 1952, in St. Maries, Idaho, to Jim Ed and Gladys Duckett. A lifelong resident of Polk County, Arkansas, Ronnie called Mena home for the past 25 years.
Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (John) Bensen; son, Kyle (Heather) Duckett; stepson, Clay (Hayden) Knighten; and stepdaughter, Whitney (Michael) Milum. He was affectionately known as "Gramps" to Trever Pierce; Maddie, Lauren, and Charlie Bensen; Kate, Easton, Hudson, and Kinley Knighten; Cooper, Conley and Mitzi Catherine Milum; and Parker, Mac, and Clint Duckett.
He is also survived by his sisters and caregivers, Kay Johnson and Cindy (Sam) Ahrens; his brother and best friend, Frankie (Dawn) Duckett; aunts Anne Duckett and Sue Egger; and his devoted companion, Jo Ann Whitehead. Ronnie leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry his memory forward.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 18 years, Mitzi Duckett; parents, Jim Ed and Gladys Duckett; brother, Johnnie Duckett; brother-in-law, Roy Johnson; and in-laws, Paul and Joyce Alexander.
Ronnie was baptized at Zafra Church of Christ and was a member of Cherry Hill Gospel Church, where he served in many capacities throughout the years.
Raised in Wickes, Arkansas, Ronnie graduated from Wickes High School in 1971. His family member and mentor, Orval Childs, a professor at Southern State College, encouraged him to pursue agriculture education. Because that major wasn't yet available at Southern State, Ronnie transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he earned his degree in 1975. That same year, he began his teaching career at Hatfield High School, where he built a strong agriculture and FFA program and alumni. During those years, he and Wyvetta raised their family on their cattle and poultry farm. He later earned his master's degree from the University of Arkansas.
In 1987, Ronnie accepted a position teaching agriculture at Mena Schools, where he once again built a thriving program and helped establish an active FFA Alumni chapter. Mr. Duckett was more than a teacher; he was an advisor, mentor, and life coach to countless students and colleagues. He believed the best learning often happened outside the classroom and worked tirelessly to make lessons hands-on and meaningful. During this time, he also completed his Superintendent Licensure.
In 1999, Ronnie transitioned from the classroom to become Director of Transportation and Facilities for Mena Schools. His influence can be seen across the community and state through the many students and agriculture teachers who became strong leaders under his guidance.
He and Mitzi also operated several local businesses together, including convenience stores, car washes, and storage units. Ronnie continued to use his networking skills in every endeavor during retirement, finding great joy in helping others succeed and sharing his wealth of knowledge.
Ronnie had a knack for seeing the big picture. He was a visionary who loved to launch projects, rally people around a shared goal, assign roles, and even help fundraise when needed. Whether it was building a school, starting a business venture like a car wash, or watching the Mena bike trails come to life, he took joy in watching ideas - and people - grow. He appreciated change, embraced innovation, and approached challenges with forward-thinking resilience. A setback never deterred him.
Throughout his 50-year career, Ronnie stayed deeply involved in his community and profession. He served on and supported numerous boards and organizations, including the Arkansas FFA Foundation Board, 20-Year Club, National FFA Alumni Association, National Cattlemen's Association, the Polk County Fair Board, the SAU Alumni and The Nation's Ministries.
He received numerous honors over the years, including: 1979 Young Ag Teacher of the Year; 1980 City of Hatfield Community Service Award; 1986 Mena Optimist Club Teacher of the Year; Mena High School Teacher of the Month; Honorary Chapter Farmer of Wickes FFA; Legendary Owl of Fame Award; AVATA Agriculture Teacher of the Year; Farm Family of the Year; Mentor and Teacher to future agriculture educators through the University of Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University.
Ronnie never needed the spotlight to lead. He led from behind encouraging, challenging, and believing in people until they believed in themselves. He pushed others to reach higher, work harder, and discover what they were capable of. An energy giver and a problem solver, he made a lasting impact wherever he went. Because of him, countless students made it to college and even more learned what it means to show up and do your best. Even in his final months, he continued to make a difference. The staff at Little River Nursing and Rehab often said he brought energy and encouragement to their days-a testament to how he never stopped investing in people.
Ronnie's legacy isn't something we just talk about, it's something we live out. He taught all of us to work hard, think big, and care deeply about people. Now it's our turn to pass those same lessons on to others, just as he did for us. In the words of Ronnie Duckett-keep on, keeping on.
Pallbearers will be Brian Erickson, Mike Collins, Larry Lairmore, Lendall Martin, Johnny Hilton, and Donald Westerman. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Irwin, former FFA students and alumni, and his grandsons: Trever Pierce, Easton Knighten, Charlie Bensen, Cooper Milum, Hudson Knighten, Parker Duckett, Mac Duckett, and Clint Duckett.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Brian Erickson of Freedom Pharmacy; Kim Nance, APRN; Dr. Tu and the staff at the UAMS Cancer Center; the team at Little River Nursing and Rehab in Ashdown; Hospice of Texarkana; and the many churches and friends who prayed for and cared for Ronnie throughout his health journey. We are deeply grateful.
At Ronnie's request, his life will be celebrated with a reunion of friends on Friday evening, October 24, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Ouachita Center at UA Rich Mountain, where we'll enjoy a meal, family and friends are encouraged to bring a dessert and share stories or memories and visit with friends and family. Dress will be casual. More info on facebook.
A Celebration of Life service will follow on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cherry Hill Gospel Church, with Mark Lyle and John Stubbs officiating. Burial will follow at Duckett Cemetery in Wickes, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be general during office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, October 23-24, 2025, at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
Celebration of life will be livestreamed here: https://bowserffh.com/obituaries/ronnie-duckett
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following in Ronnie's memory:
Ronnie and Mitzi Duckett Classroom (Mena Schools); Arkansas FFA Foundation; Ronnie Duckett Scholarship at SAU
Mena Schools
Ronnie and Mitzi Duckett Outdoor Classroom
501 Hickory Avenue
Mena, AR 71953
Arkansas FFA Foundation
https://www.arkansasffa.org/giving
301 Catherine Park Drive
Hot Springs, AR 71913
SAU Foundation
Ronnie Duckett Scholarship
100 E University 9174
Magnolia, AR 71753