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Bennie Lee "Ben" Little was born on Dec. 14,1939, in Fort Collins, to Willis D. Little and Bessie M. Honnold. He was raised in Fort Collins and in Las Vegas, Nev., where he graduated from high school. At the age of 18, Ben joined the U.S. Navy.

He married Kathryn Poulter on May 22, 1964, in Las Vegas and together they raised three children. Ben was an accomplished crane operator and had his own crane business. They lived in Las Vegas until 1971 when they moved to Bullhead City, Ariz. They moved to Boulder City, Nev., in 1977 and then to Maybell in 1993. While in Maybell, Ben assisted his brother-in-law in operating their ranch at Juniper Springs. Kathryn died in September 2004.

Ben enjoyed riding and racing dune buggies, woodworking and playing solitaire. He died on June 20, 2006, at The Memorial Hospital in Craig.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Mark) Vitto of Boulder City, Nev., and Laura (Ron) Brown of Las Vegas, Nev.; his son, Charles Little, of Las Vegas, Nev.; his grandchildren, Ashley, Dylan and Brandon; his brothers, Bob (Betty) Little of Fort Collins and Bill (Mary) Little of Washington; and his mother-in-law, Kay Poulter of Juniper Springs.

His parents and wife, Kathryn, preceded him in death.

A funeral was held on Saturday, June 24, 2006, at the Maybell Community Church with Linda Taylor officiating. Betty Morris was the organist and played "Amazing Grace," and the other hymn was "Welcome To My Home" by Jim Reeves.

Pallbearers were Charles Little, Mark Vitto, Ron Brown, Mike and Troy Daigneau and Ken Welch. Interment followed at Maybell Cemetery.