Rachel R. Lloyd

Rachel Lloyd, 80, of Leola, Arkansas passed away July 26, 2022.  She was born January 6, 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Rachel was an extremely hard worker-right up until her passing, supervising crews at boat manufacturing plants, oil rigs, and construction jobs.  She loved animals of all kinds, especially her dogs and horses.  Rachel was raised and lived on a dairy farm and enjoyed living with her daughter and helping take care of the horses at the Galloping Winds Farm.  She supported animal rescue organizations and helped in any way she could.  Rachel was very active and had a beautiful kind and caring heart.  She would give someone the shoes off her feet if they needed them.  Rachel’s family was very important to her.  She always wanted to be sure they were “provided for, taken care of, and that the doors were locked”.  Rachel enjoyed beautiful flowers, especially gardenias and roses, and eating “cat-feesh”.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life.  Many times, she would call them while they were travelling and talk from 8:00 PM until 4 AM to make sure they stayed awake during the long drives.  Rachel did believe in keeping her family in line. She would watch the clock to make sure they were where they were supposed to be at the appropriate time.  One of her famous sayings was “You better get your Better Homes and Gardens act together!”.  Rachel had a sense of humor and would have you laughing in no time flat.  She was also known to be a bit bold and wasn’t afraid to tell you how the “cow ate the cabbage!”.  Her daughter is forever grateful for their last time together where they painted their toenails, ate a delicious dinner of rotisserie chicken, fruit cocktail, and chocolate cake, but most importantly, where they said “I LOVE YOU” to each other.   

Preceding Rachel in death are her husband, HJ Lloyd; son, Mike Ward; father, Robert Lee Russell; sister, Virginia Becvar; and brother, RL Russell.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory four children:  Bobby Ward of Westmoreland, Tennessee; Buddy Ward and wife Vickie of Westmoreland, Tennessee; Lisa Ward and husband Carl Newton of Leola, Arkansas; and Wesley Ward of Poyen, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren:  Melissa Alvarado and husband Juan of Benton, Arkansas, Stephanie Maple of Benton, Arkansas; Bo Ward, Candice Harris, Chad Ward, Courtney Ward, Cindy Ward, LeAnn Gregory, Zack Ward, Matthew Ward, Rachel Ward, and Tye Ward; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren and two more on the way; and many more family members and friends who love Rachel and will miss her always.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 PM, Monday, August 1, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with memorial service following at 6:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue of your choice or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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