Mildred Sue Paxton Richards, age 85, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025.  Sue was born in North Little Rock to Royal Lee Paxton Sr. and Sylvia Nell Spann Paxton on February 24, 1940.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry Dan Richards; son, Charles Jason Richards; and brothers, Royal Lee Paxton Jr. and Robert Joe "Bobby" Paxton.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Dana Richards Owens and son-in-law Jimmy Owens; nieces & nephews; and many beloved cousins & numerous friends.

She had her first date with Dan Richards in 1955.  He took her to Bruno's Little Italy on Asher Avenue in Little Rock.  They married on April 22, 1957.  They were together 70 years until his death on January 2 of this year.

Sue was an excellent mother and took good care of her family.  When her children were older, she started working as the secretary at First Baptist Church here in Benton.  In 1978, she began working at the Saline County Library where she made many friends.  She worked there until her retirement in 2002.  When the new library was built in Benton, she suggested that the building needed a clock tower.  It was added to the plans, and it was named in her honor.

During Sue's time at the library, she discovered that she loved quilting.  The library would offer lunchtime lessons on different projects and one of them was quilting.  She made many beautiful quilts and wall hangings over the years.  Sue was one of the organizers of the Saline County Quilters Guild in 1984, and through it made many lifelong friendships.  She was the last active member of the original organizers still living.

Her family would like to thank Suzette, Jessica, Leeann, and the other caregivers of Southern Charm Senior Services for the excellent care and attention they provided her during her time with them.

Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 22 at Ashby Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at James Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.