Anna Venters

She was born Anna Ruth Pennington on June 19, 1937, in Crossett, AR. She married the love of her life, Tommy Venters, on July 17, 1954, at the tender age of 17. They shared 72 wonderful years together before her passing.

In addition to raising their three daughters, Anna Ruth held a number of jobs outside the home during their marriage. These included working as a retail clerk in a clothing store and as a dental assistant. She also worked in the Saturday Head Start program for Prairie Grove Public Schools and as a Home School Coordinator for Eudora Public Schools. Perhaps her most rewarding career was the many years she spent as a teacher's aide at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. During her time there, she developed many friendships that lasted for the rest of her life.

Her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her family and friends. She was always happy to visit with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved hearing what was going on in their lives. Friends and extended family were always welcomed into her home and made to feel a sense of belonging.

Anna Ruth and Tommy were avid Arkansas Razorback fans and were longtime members of the Road Hogs motor home club. They spent many happy years traveling to Razorback games. Countless days before and after the games were spent playing cards or dominoes, eating good food, and sharing great times with their fellow RoadHogs. They cherished the friendships they made during those years.

Anna Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Van and Emily Ardella Pennington of Crossett.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy R. Venters of Hot Springs, and their three daughters: Vickie (Dean) Pagan of Donaldson, AR; Valerie (John) Stone of Cabot, AR; and Vanessa (Von) Neely of Sherwood, AR.

She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Sarah (Ashley) Stone of Bangkok, Thailand; Ashley (Chris) Tucker of Bismarck, AR; Jason (Anakaren) Pagan of Arlington, TX; Brian (Melissa) Stone of Ozark, MO; and Patrick Neely of Magnolia, AR.

She was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Nick and Rilie Tucker of Bismarck, AR; Mason Pagan of Arkadelphia, AR; and Charlie Stone of Ozark, MO.

She is also survived by her three siblings: Bertha Warner, Bobby Pennington, and Jackie Ramthun, all of Rogers, AR.

She will be greatly missed by all of her immediate family, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wright St., Hot Springs, AR. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.