Sue Crouse

Martha Sue Benning Crouse was born on June 15, 1934 in Prattsville, AR. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Lena Benning, all 7 siblings, the love of her life and husband of 63 years, John L. Crouse and a twin grand daughter, Trisha Lynn Crouse.

She leaves behind her cherished children: Liza (Steven) Bray of Conway, Russell (Edye) Crouse of Little Rock and Paul (Pam) Crouse of Hot Springs, AR;. grandchildren: Chris Winston of Warren, MI, Mandy (Richard) Alonzo of Running Springs, CA, Jenna Crouse of Hot Springs, AR, Cody (Alesha) Bray of Running Springs, CA, Jessica Winston (Bupe Chinami) of Lusaka, Zambia, Andy (Hollie) Crouse of Sheridan, AR, Dillon (Lydia) Crouse of Fayetteville, AR and Carson (Madi) Bray of Conway, AR: great-grandchildren: Hudson, August and Lincoln Alonzo, Ruby, Bekah and Jack Crouse, Wrenlie Crouse, Shepherd and Shiloh Bray, Henley and Cooper Bray and another great on the way, and a host of extended family and friends.

Sue was a member of First Landmark Baptist Church since her family moved to Sheridan and a faithful member of the Grace Sunday School class. She was a member of the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livlier, Souls) group, and it was stated that Sue came up with the name. They had lots of fun, whatever they did together! Sue always told the story of never missing a day of school during her twelve years at Prattsville.

Sue had many jobs outside the home all while raising three children that she would always do anything for. She was a secretary in Little Rock at the Department of Education for many years until they moved to Sheridan in 1972. Grant County was considered home to her and John, as both of their parents were still living when they moved back. She worked as an administrative assistant at International Paper Company for years until she and John made the dream of owning their own restaurant a reality in 1974. They co-owned and operated the first pizza restaurant in Sheridan called The Blacksmith Shop for 10 years. The Blacksmith Shop was a local hang out place complete with the best pizza, salads and sandwiches and a jukebox plus a game room with pinball, pacman and other electrifying games. It quickly became the place to be before and after football and basketball games. Sue always said they had the BEST employees of any business in town.

Sue loved to play games (cards, dominos, bingo, etc.) and to put puzzles together which she spent many hours doing after she retired from IP. She went back to work at IP right after they sold the Blacksmith Shop. She loved to cook for her family and bake bread. She made the best homemade bread and took joy in giving it away. She would visit the nursing home each week for several years, and was always thinking of and meeting the needs of others, she said many times that visiting those who couldn’t get out was her ministry. Her greatest title she held was “Granny”. She loved her grandkids and took such pride in their accomplishments. Her greatest legacy was her unwavering determination to show God’s love to others and she would ask each one of if they had a personal relationship with the Lord. Her faith and prayers have been such an inspiration to so many.

Funeral service will be Thursday, September 17, 2026 a Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan at 11:00 AM with visitation prior to the service from 10:00 until service time. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, nephews (Cliff Crouse, Doug Benning, Frank Benning and Joe Lynn Fuell) Bobby Stone, David Reynolds, Randy Singletary, Brayden Sites, Chris Graves and past Blacksmith Shop employees.

Memorials can be made: FLBC Food Ministry, Grace SS Class, Grant County Museum and Crown Point Assisted Living.

The service will be livestreamed on facebook, memorial gardens funeral home.