Ben R. Smith |
| Posted 2026-03-27 by mhenderson |
| Published by The Miner on 23 Mar 2026 - Kingman, Arizona - Ben R. Smith, 82, of Kingman, Arizona, passed away on Dec. 15, 2025, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born on Sept. 2, 1943, in Kingman, Ben lived a life marked by hard work, integrity, and service. A lifelong resident of Arizona, Ben dedicated himself to providing for his family and lending a hand wherever it was needed. From January 1968 until his retirement in June 2003, he served as an Arizona Highway Patrolman, earning the respect of colleagues and friends through his steady reliability, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. Those who knew him remember a man who never shied away from a challenge and who believed deeply in doing things the right way. Ben also volunteered briefly with Little League and spent more than thirty years officiating basketball games and umpiring softball and baseball for city leagues in both the Phoenix area and Kingman. He worked with the Kingman Softball Association and the Arizona Interscholastic Association, becoming a familiar and trusted presence on the field and court. In his younger years and well into adulthood, Ben enjoyed playing football, baseball, and basketball — sports that remained a lifelong passion. Ben found joy in fishing, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren, and he cherished the simple moments: a good cup of coffee or a cold beer, a long conversation on the porch, or a day spent with family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he took great pride in watching them grow. He is survived by his children, Dr. Dana Zimmermann (Fred) and Philip Smith; his grandchildren Natalie Hoagland, Chelsea Aaron (Dillon and baby Aaron), Brendan Holland, Caitlyn Smith?Zimmermann, Kimmy Stryker, Nathan Stryker, Dillon Smith, Amber Logas (Tyler), Rosalyn Zimmermann, Bridgette Connolly, and Larissa Connolly; and his great?grandchildren Jazmin, Joseph, Mercy, Bailey, Liam, Chase, Skarlet, and Eathin. He is also survived by his sister, June Benson. He was preceded in death by his ex?wife, whom he lovingly referred to as his soul mate, Amaryllis Smith; his brother, Dick Smith; and his parents, Melba and Don Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mohave Museum or the Arizona Peace Officer’s Memorial. Ben’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who loved him. A service to honor Ben’s life will be held on March 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kingman Elks Lodge at 900 Gates Ave, A with a reception to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate a life well lived. Cremation was handled by Sutton’s Mortuary. |
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