Dorcas Annette Keen Vance, 66, of Owensville, passed away peacefully October 14, 2025, with her loving husband, John, by her side. Dorcas was born September 6, 1959, in Benton and was a member of Grape Chapel Church of God. She attended Benton Schools until the family moved to Brazil and then Jamaica due to her dad's work with Alcoa. When she returned, she met her husband, John. Dorcas and John married in June of 1976, and she completed her senior year at Benton High School. Their 49 year marriage was full of laughter, hunting, fishing, and exploring nature. A lifelong animal lover, Dorcas raised countless animals, ranging from squirrels and raccoons to cougars and monkeys, always showing special care for orphaned animals found near their home.

Dorcas was a kind, patient, and supportive mother to her only child, Justin. She also impacted the lives of other children as an office aid at Ringgold Elementary School in Benton and as the person inside the McGruff the Crime Dog suit.

Dorcas was preceded in death by her parents Hubert and Frankie Christine (Moody) Keen, her brother George "Buster" Keen and sister, Johnnie (Keen) Bryant of Benton; and father and mother-in-law Willie and Jimmie Vance of Owensville.

She is survived by her husband John; son Justin and his wife Rachel of Renton, WA; brother, Hubert "Butch" Keen Jr. (wife Dianna) of Story; sister-in-law, Patti Vance Hays of Hot Springs; aunt, Pat Keen of Benton; cousin-in-law Brenda Richardson and her husband Larry of Crows.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Pines Unit of the Arkansas Health Center in Haskell for their loving care of Dorcas. They were more than caregivers; they became family.

A memorial for Dorcas will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton Wednesday, October 22 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Saline County (www.hssaline.org).