Donna Ruth Foster

Donna Ruth (Rauls) Foster, 74, of Benton, AR passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2024 surrounded by her family and companion after a 5 month battle with cancer. 

Donna was born May 21, 1949, in England, AR to the late Harold Doyle and Ruth Pauline Rauls, both of England, AR. Donna attended Plum Bayou school where she was a star basketball player on the girls’ basketball team. Donna also served as President of the school Library Club.

Donna later moved to Pine Bluff where she met the love of her life, the late BL “Lee” Foster, whom she married and raised 2 children with. Donna and Lee were married for 41 amazing years. Donna worked for many years as a real estate agent at Hood and Company located in Pine Bluff, AR. Donna also owned and operated a small convenience store located in Ladd, AR where she came to be loved by so many. Donna and Lee relocated to Georgia in 1996 where Donna began working as a logistics supervisor at Transvantage Companies. She later retired after the tragic loss of her beloved husband in 2012. Donna relocated back to her home state of Arkansas in 2015 to enjoy her family and retirement at which time she connected with her companion, Lyndel (Jerry) Smith and gained two “bonus” daughters, Melody Beckham (Brad) and Patti Byrd. Donna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling around the country with Jerry.

Preceding Donna in death are her late husband B.L. (Lee) Foster, parents Harold Doyle and Ruth Pauline Rauls, brother Harold Doyle Rauls, Jr., sister Debra Lynn (Rauls) Hooks and Grandson Cody Dean Foster.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her companion Lyndel (Jerry) Smith, children Ronald Dean Foster (Regina) of Dover, AR and Lisa Ann Foster of Benton, AR, Grandchildren; Meghan Marie Box (TK) of Bossier City, LA, Carter Lee Hogan of Bryant, AR, Grace Danielle Foster and Eden Faith Foster of Monroe, GA and Tanner McNeal Maxwell of Dover, AR. Great- Grandchildren; Alaina Marie Box, Brantley Lee Hogan. Sister Shirley Darlene (Rauls) Thompson (Ron) of Hot Springs, AR, Sister in Law; Margie Everhart of Winston Salem, NC and many family members and friends who love Donna and will miss her always.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St. followed by a service at 2:00 PM. Family and friends will gather together after the service at The Cabin, 18311 I-30 Benton, AR from 3:30-7:00 PM. 

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.