Billie Jean Hovland

Billie Jean (Ellis) Hovland, 87, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away May 5, 2023 after a brief illness.  She was born November 4, 1935 in Ferndale.

Though she lived many years in Arkansas, she also resided in California, Michigan, and Minnesota.  She was a secretary and retired from Reuland Electric Company.  She and her husband, Bob, also owned a small business in Lake Lillian, Minnesota.  Jean was very involved in volunteering with the Lady Elks Auxiliary early in her retirement.  She also loved hosting big family reunions, especially while living on Lake Hamilton.  She enjoyed going out for lunch with her friends after church on Sundays.  She loved to travel whether it was by car, plane, or on a cruise.  Family was very important to Jean, and she delighted in learning all about her family’s ancestry and genealogy.

Preceding Jean in death are her parents, Fleming P. and Nora Alta (Goodson) Garrett and husband, Robert (Bob) Hovland as well as her sisters, Audrey Crow and Mary Whitaker and brother, Roger Dale Garrett.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her 3 sons: James Wilfong Jr. of Leslie, Arkansas, Paul (Gena) Wilfong of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Allen (Terry) Wilfong of Dardanelle, Arkansas; brothers: Carl Ellis (Wanda) of Perryville, Jackie Nick (Sharon) Garrett of Paron, and Buddy (Carolyn) Garrett of Ferndale; eight grandchildren;  eighteen great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends who love Jean and will miss her always.

Celebration of Life service, officiated by Pastor Paul Clark to be held at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.  Visitation will be held at 11:00 am preceding the service.  Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.