With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wanda "Wendy" L. Roberts, who went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2026, at the age of 75.

Wendy lived a life centered on service, love, and dedication to others. She proudly served her community as a firefighter, dispatcher, and EMT, and also gave her time as a volunteer firefighter. Wendy paved the way for women firefighters in Jackson, Mississippi, proving through her determination and strength that no matter your gender, you could do the job if you wanted it badly enough. Her courage and steady presence brought comfort and safety to countless people throughout her years of service in Russell and LeMay.

She loved to cook, spend quiet hours reading — and if you ever looked in her purse, you would always find at least one book tucked inside — and work on puzzles. She adored her fur baby, Sophie, who brought her constant companionship and joy, and we take comfort in knowing that her beloved pets who went before her — Dell, Prissy, and Hercules — were surely waiting to welcome her home. She had a servant's heart in the medical field and a strength that defined her life.

Wendy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Roberts; her mother and stepfather, Marilyn and George Barrow; her father and stepmother, Glenn and Carlene Alford; and her sister, Melonie Tomlinson.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Vernon (Joanie) Barrow; Ben Alford; sisters, Betty Fisher and Glenda Slough; and many cherished nieces and nephews including Jeff and Amanda, Jimmy Alford and Aaron Tomlinson, Kathryn Felts, Jeff and Cynthia Slough, and Kelly Hall.

Wendy's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Amy (Robb) Strong, Cindy (Tom) Dison, Alan (Joni) McKenzie, Traci (Michael) Tennyson, and Shauna Quirk.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Macy (Alec) Jaladin, Emma (Connor) Williams, Gavin Munro, Carson (Daniel) Callahan, Brooklyn and Cheyanne Strong, Ava and Addison McKenzie, Nicholas, Jacob, Cameron, and Michael Pursifull, and Logan, Brandon, Audrey, and Evelyn Quirk.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Walter Williams and Hayes Jaladin.

Honorary Pallbearers Honorary pallbearers are Vernon Barrow, Gary "Cotton" Hall, Tim Morse, Bud Baylor, Jeff Slough, and Ben Alford.

Wendy's strength, compassion, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Her life was a testament to service, resilience, and devotion — both to her community and to those she loved most.

Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Monday March 2, 2026, at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015 with a memorial service beginning at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by interment and a private family graveside service at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1601 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120. Purple was her favorite color so if you'd like to wear purple please do so. Forever loved.

Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.