Our Team

Lance Glenn

Funeral Director/Co-Owner

Lance Glenn, a compassionate funeral director at River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services, found his calling in the funeral industry after graduating from high school in Ringling, Oklahoma, in 2002. Recognizing the significance of business management, Lance pursued an associate degree from Murray State College, which he completed in 2004. Seeking to deepen his expertise and commitment to the field, he went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Oklahoma Central in 2006. Lance's apprenticeship in funeral services began in Ardmore, Oklahoma in 2002, where he honed his skills and dedicated himself to helping grieving families. In 2017, he celebrated a milestone in his personal life by marrying Stephanie, with whom he shares two beautiful daughters, Madison Watkins and Riley Beneux, her husband Logan who have blessed Lance and Stephanie with their first granddaughter Isabella. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Lance finds joy in watching college football and cherishing quality time spent with his cherished family and friends.

Zenda Rutherford-Dodson

Receptionist

Zenda Rutherford-Dodson's journey began in Roland, Oklahoma, and has led her to make a profound impact in Greenwood, Arkansas. Fueled by her unwavering commitment to enriching lives, Zenda has dedicated her work to serving others. She spent her early years at the Fort Smith Girls Club, inspiring and empowering young girls to embrace their full potential. Today, as a valued member of the River Glenn team, her primary focus is on providing compassionate support to families during their most challenging times.

Zenda and her husband, Stan, find spiritual nourishment at The Porch Church in Fort Smith, where their faith is deepened. They share a special bond with their senior church group, the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Saints), cherishing the wisdom and connection through living life and fellowship with them.

Family holds a special place in Zenda's heart, and she eagerly embraces any opportunity to be part of their lives. Her passions extend to cooking, leatherworking, sewing, and crafting beautiful flower arrangements. Above all, Zenda finds immense fulfillment in creating one-of-a-kind gifts for her loved ones, as a tangible expression of her care and affection.

Michael Grosskreuz

Funeral Assistant

Michael Grosskreuz is a dedicated professional with a remarkable career in law enforcement and security. Having grown up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michael joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18, serving as a Law Enforcement Specialist for 10 years. Following his military service, Michael relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he embarked on a 20-year journey with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Department. During this time, he worked in various roles, including the Detention Center, 911 Dispatch, Patrol Deputy, and Evidence Custodian. After leaving the Sheriff's Department, Michael furthered his expertise by working for the Department of Homeland Security as a TSA Officer and as a Security Coordinator for USA Truck. His commitment to public safety extends beyond his professional life, as he enjoys watching sports, particularly supporting the Green Bay Packers, and engages in running and hiking during his spare time.

Brenden Tran

Funeral Apprentice

Meet Brenden Tran, a motivated individual who successfully completed his education at Southside school in 2015. As an apprentice in the funeral industry since March 2023, Brenden is wholeheartedly dedicated to providing solace and support to grieving families. Eager to enhance his skills, he has made plans to enroll in embalming school starting in the fall of 2023, with the aim of obtaining his full license by the spring of 2025. Brenden's personal life is equally fulfilling, as he is happily married to his loving wife, Nichole Tran, and takes immense pride in raising their three children: Jules, Oliver, and Colin. Additionally, Brenden has served in the Arkansas Army National Guard for six years, gaining valuable experience in running military funeral honors. During his leisure time, Brenden finds relaxation and fulfillment through his passions for golf and traveling.

Riley Beneux

Funeral Apprentice

Meet Riley Beneux, a determined and accomplished individual hailing from Van Buren, Arkansas. In 2018, Riley proudly graduated from Van Buren High School and embarked on a journey of higher education. Recently, she reached a significant milestone, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in May 2023. Riley's life took on new dimensions in 2020 when she married her partner Logan, and together they embraced the joys and responsibilities of parenthood, raising their beloved daughter Bella. Alongside her academic and family endeavors, Riley's passion lies in the culinary arts. She finds solace and creativity in the kitchen, crafting delectable dishes and sharing her love for cooking with family and friends.

Clay Strawhacker

Funeral Assistant

Clay Strawhacker moved to Fort Smith in 1967, where he met his future wife at the church she was attending. They got married in May of 1968 and have been happily married for 55 years. They have two daughters named Cynthia Strawhacker and Melessa Kruizenga, who is married to Bruce. Clay and his wife are proud grandparents to four grandchildren and have ten great-grandchildren.  In terms of his career, Clay started working for Rheem Manufacturing in 1976 and remained a dedicated employee for the next 37 years until his retirement in 2013. Additionally, Clay served as a volunteer firefighter for the Rye Hill-White Bluff Fire Department for 12 years, demonstrating his commitment to serving the community.  As a family, they are members of The Pentecostal Church in Fort Smith.  Overall, Clay Strawhacker has built a fulfilling life with a loving family, a successful career, and a commitment to serving others through his work as a volunteer firefighter and his involvement in the church.