Ralph Benzing

Mr. Ralph Benzing, 64, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 after a brave battle with cancer. Mr. Benzing was born on August 12, 1949 in Decorah, Iowa to Howard and Marion Benzing. Ralph had a great relationship with Jesus and always looked forward to being with his Walnut St. Baptist Church family and his Route 66 Sunday school class. Ralph loved his family and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. Ralph grew up in Calmar, Iowa before moving to Decorah where he attended Area One Vocational School and became a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he met, and later married, Karla Doran. Ralph took a leap of faith in relocating his family to Jonesboro in 1986 to start a new career and continued to watch his family grow. Ralph was a master carpenter and cabinet maker and also enjoyed helping out on the farm as a child and whenever else he could get the chance. Ralph's greatest achievement was watching all of his children come to a saving profession of faith in The Lord Jesus and instilling the desire to follow The Lord's will for their lives. Ralph's family takes tremendous comfort knowing that Ralph is in a much better place, free of pain, and full of the joy in being reunited with one child and two grandchildren that have already proceeded him up in Heaven. One of the last coherent phrases Ralph uttered was ”all things will pass away and everything will become new.” Praise The Lord for his faithfulness! Survivors include; his parents: Howard and Marion Benzing of Decorah, Iowa; his wife of 40 years: Karla Benzing of the home; four sons: Larry Benzing and wife Lori of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Tony Benzing and wife Nikki of Memphis, Tennessee, Aaron Benzing and wife Harriett of Vilonia, Arkansas, and Jonathan Benzing and wife Sheena of Jonesboro, Arkansas; one daughter: Beth Tennison and husband Ryan of Jonesboro, Arkansas; three brothers: Steve Benzing of Decorah, Iowa, Dennis Benzing of Decorah, Iowa, and Tom Benzing of Odessa, Texas; eight grandchildren: Landry, Emma Grace, Matthew, Allison, Grace, Kendra, Jacob, and Jenna; and a host of other family and friends. Mr. Benzing was preceded in death by one granddaughter: Faith Erin Benzing. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 10:00 am at the Walnut Street Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Parker officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery under the direction of Faith Funeral Service. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday from 6:00 pm- 8:00pm. Pallbearers: Larry Benzing, Tony Benzing, Aaron Benzing, Jonathan Benzing, Ryan Tennison, and Charlie Layne. Honorary Pallbearers: Steve Benzing, Dennis Benzing, Tom Benzing, and his Route 66 Sunday school class.