Wendy Szewcyk Bass, age 72, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026. She was born November 13, 1953 in Bedford, Ohio to Melvin and Dorothy Szewcyk. Wendy was raised in Bedford until 1968 and moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas. While in Bedford, she taught swimming and diving at the YWCA. She studied piano for several years. Wendy enjoyed swimming, water skiing, fishing, camping, crocheting, cross stitching, writing poetry, canning, and flea marketing.

She was married to her husband, Melvin Bass for 43 years, until his death in 2021. They had several businesses in Hot Springs, including: Jimbo’s Restaurant, Sundown Lounge, M&M Hotel and a Resale Shop. They then moved to North Little Rock. She worked at Fisher Lime and Cement for a few years, then retired from the City of North Little Rock where she worked as a secretary to the Civil Service Commission and Community Development. Wendy then worked as a medical transcriptionist for a few years, eventually buying out the company and worked independently. Wendy eventually had to retire due to health reasons. She and Melvin enjoyed their retirement from their jobs by gardening (him) and canning (her) what Melvin grew.

Wendy is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her husband.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph “JD” Guinn (Teffany) and Lance Bass (Thao); daughters, Megan Bass Jenkins; daughter, Manda Bass; sisters, Linda Hunt (Don), Sandra Wilcox (Ted), and Kathy Hartmann; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and several nieces & nephews.

A memorial visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a local charity of your choice.