Marjo Casey Rankin Gwinn

Marjo Casey Rankin Gwinn, age 83, of Benton, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on March 27, 2018. She was born in Cairo, Ill., to William and Madeline Casey on September 25, 1934. Her family moved to Benton in the early 1940's, settling in Pine Haven. Her father was employed in the newly opened Reynolds Aluminum Company operation. In 1948 the family moved to Benton and she has been a Benton resident ever since. During her high school years she was employed by Walton's Gifts and Stationary in downtown Benton. Upon graduation from Benton High School she became an employee of Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company (Centerpoint). While working there she was introduced by Jaybird Nutt to a newcomer in town, Roxie Rankin. In May 1953 she and Roxie were married in the First Methodist Church in Benton and enjoyed 30 years together until Roxie's death in 1987. Marjo worked a short time for Alcoa, but chose to stay home to raise their two children, Casey and Roxanne. When the children entered school a new business opportunity opened in town, Benton Savings and Loan. Marjo was employed there in 1969 as a teller. She quickly moved through the ranks to the loan department, then as secretary to the President, Bob Gregory, and then office manager. In 1986 she was named Executive Vice President. In 1987 she was named President of Benton Savings and Loan, becoming one of only two women in Arkansas holding the position of President of a savings and loan institution. Marjo's attention to detail, her unending care for the welfare of others, concern for each customer, and her all-around good business sense contributed to the success of the Benton Savings and Loan which became known by her customers as "the best little loan company in Arkansas." Marjo retired from Benton Savings and Loan in 1994. She made history, truly working her way up through the ranks from Teller to President. By the time of her retirement she had met the "second love of her life", Burlen Gwinn. They were married in 1994 and enjoyed fourteen years of marriage until his death in 2008. A member of Benton First United Methodist Church for 70 years, she was a member of the Wesley Sunday School class, a volunteer office worker, a member of the Grieving and Care Committee, the "shut-in" Visitation team and through the years served on numerous boards and committees in the church family. She was also a member of the Talisman Club and P.E.O. Chapter DM. One of her favorite hobbies was working in her yard, or as she called it "digging in the dirt". She was also an accomplished bridge player. Dear to the heart of most everyone who knew her was her gift of homemade bread. Her other baking talents included her rolls, pies, and cakes. The rolls were standard fare for all of the family gatherings, of which there were many. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Roxie Rankin, and her second husband, Burlen Gwinn. Marjo is survived by her children, Casey Rankin (Sue Ellen) of Benton, and Roxanne Rankin Braithwaite (Chris) of Little Rock; two granddaughters, Lara Davis (James) of Conway, Brooke Moseley (Andrew) of Benton; and one grandson, Chris Lance (Leslie) of Benton; a great-granddaughter, Lily Davis, and one great-grandson, Hank Moseley. She is also survived by her brother, Norman Casey (Elaine) of Hot Springs; sisters, Faye Crumpler of Hot Springs Village, and Carol Ramsey of Fayetteville. Other special family members who will miss her are Jiggs Ramsey, Steve Rankin, her numerous nieces and nephews, and the daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Burlen Gwinn. In addition to her family, she will be missed by numerous special friends and their families. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Latasha Jenkins and Kayla Hargrove at Saline Memorial Hospice. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening March 29, from 6-8 p.m. in the Christian Life Center of the Benton First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday morning, March 30, at Benton First United Methodist Church. Officiating ministers are Rev. Ben Crismon, Rev. Zeke Allen, and Rev. John Dill. Private burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Benton First United Methodist Church, 202 N. Market St, Benton, Ark. 72015. Arrangements are by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.