Carroll Lee Bennett, 82, passed February 1, 2026 at his home in Larned, Kansas.
He was born March 7, 1943 in Friona, Texas to Milburn and Othelia Bennett.
He graduated from Friona High School and continued education at WT University where he was in ROTC. He worked in the cattle and ranching business, later owning B+B Quality Meats.
Carroll served on Pawnee County Economic Development Committee and Larned City Council. He enjoyed tennis, bowling, fishing, wood working, roping, stained glass making, riding horses, and leather working.
On January 21, 1993 he married Sue Ellen Rodie in St. Francis, Kansas; she survives.
Other survivors include: five children; Carol Smith of Dalhart, TX, Le’Ann Hope of Larned, KS, Kim (Coby) Cummings of Dalhart, TX, Chris (Marisa) Martin of Springtown, TX, Stephanie (Jason) Feist of Rogers, AR; 19 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and three sisters, Myrna Gay (Jerry) Marlatt, Mary Beth (Gerall) Wyly, Diane (Ricky) White.
He is preceded in death by parents Milburn and Othelia Bennett and great granddaughter Destiny Heddins.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, with Pastor Joshua Shepherd presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, with family present from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Welcome Inn Senior Center in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Jovita Velasco, 97 of Dumas, formerly of Friona passed away January 27, 2026 in Dumas. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with Rosary Services at 6:00 PM Thursday, January 29, 2026 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial Services were at 1:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church of Friona with Father Nick Gerber as Celebrant. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Jovita was born October 7, 1928 in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico to Martiñino and Dolores Montoya Martinez. Later she married Nemesio Velasco. She was an active member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church over many years of living in Friona. She loved music and dancing and enjoyed her cooking. She loved her family and her two dogs Chilindrina and Cookie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Nemesio Velasco Sr., sons- Jose Jesus Velasco, and Manuel Velasco, Nemesio Martinez Velasco, Jr. and Manuel R. Velasco.
Those to mourn her passing include 2 daughters-Maria Dolores Silva of Mexico, and Jovita Saiz and husband Daniel of Enid, Oklahoma, 2 sons Joel F. Velasco and wife Romalia of Cactus, and Jose Jessie Velasco of Friona, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com