Benjamin Walford

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank.  Burial will immediately follow at the Milbank City Cemetery.  Friends and relatives are invited to attend the services.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is recommended, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming is available in most situations.

Ben Walford, age 84, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, left this life on December 2, 2019, after a long battle with cancer.  He was born on October 26, 1935, the son of Harry and Edna Walford.

He served his country in the South Dakota National Guard and was a military veteran.

Benjamin lived most of his life in South Dakota, working in the lumber business all his life.  In early years, he worked for chain lumber yards. He worked hard and opened his own yard, Milbank Lumber, for 25 years. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Bella Vista but continued to enjoy summers in South Dakota.  He loved to golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gladys; brothers: Gearold "Bud" and Gilbert; and brothers-in-law: Ronald Schmidt and Mervin Johnson.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 57 years, Carole (Schmidt); children: Belinda Rupp (Arthur) and Brett Walford (Julie); sister, Elvina Johnson; and sisters-in-law: LuEtta Walford and Norma (Schmidt) Schwichtenberg; brother-in-law, Jerry Willis; grandchildren: Brooke Adams, Alex Walford, Madison Walford, Benjamin C. Walford, Alyssa Rupp and Julia Rupp; and great-granddaughter, Kate Adams.