Hester Ophelia Felty

Hester Ophelia Bost Felty, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024, after a long battle with renal disease and congestive heart failure.

Hester was born on June 12, 1938, in Malvern, AR, to Alfred G. and Viola (Fitzhugh) Bost. She was the widow of Paul E. Felty, Sr., who preceded her in death on April 1, 2013. They shared 52 years of marriage together.

Hester graduated from Malvern High School in 1956. She worked as a bookkeeper retiring from the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) in Benton, AR, in 2001, after dedicating 28 years to her work. Hester along side her husband Paul opened and ran the North Fork Bait and Tackle Store near their home in Paron, AR for several years in the 90s and 2000s even when the store closed people knew to still stop for self-service ice. She was a devoted member of Harmony Baptist Church, where she enjoyed serving her church family by playing the piano, publishing the weekly bulletin, and serving as the treasurer.

Hester will be remembered for her generous heart and her dedication to taking care of her “family.” She loved domino game nights and preparing meals for family and friends, famously known for her mac and cheese, just ask any of her grandchildren. There was always plenty for one more at the table. She also made sure her neighbors were well-fed.

Hester is survived by her two children, Ginger (Mark) Doughty and Paul “Butch” (Beth) Felty, II; her grandchildren, Rodney Doughty, Hailey Doughty, Ben (Katie) Craig, and Erica (Chris) Minyard; and her great-grandchildren, Willow, Adam, Chandler, Addie Craig, Conner Craig, and Lynnleigh Minyard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Viola Bost, and her three brothers, LeRoy Bost, Raymond Bost, and Eugene Bost.

Please join us in celebrating Hester's life on Monday morning, June 24th, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Harmony Baptist Church, 3915 AR HWY 10, Perryville, AR 72126. A graveside service, at the Martindale Cemetery in Bigelow, and family meal back at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harmony Baptist Church Building Fund, 3915 AR HWY 10, Perryville, AR 72126.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.