Obituaries

Frances Inez Bontrager

Photo of Frances Inez Bontrager
Frances Inez Bontrager, 89, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. She was born on Nov. 23, 1925, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Seth and Anna (Mills) Cunningham. Frances married Arley Bontrager in December 1946, and together they enjoyed an amazing 64 years of marriage. They lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Junction City, Kan., retiring to Bella Vista in 1981. Frances worked for the civil service in Ft. Riley, Kan., in her younger years and was an active member of the Bella Vista Church of Christ. Frances was preceded in death by her husband and one brother, Seth. She is survived by two sons, A.L. Bontrager (Debbie) of Leawood, Kan., Alan Bontrager (Kim) of Milford, Kan.; five grandchildren, Katie, Keely, Kirsten, Spencer, and Ali; and five great-grandchildren, Becca, Declan, Conor, Mary Elizabeth, and Kathleen. If you spent any time with Frances at all, you know how devoted she was to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (You likely also had to "oooh" and "aaah" over a set of pictures our "Grammy" always had at the ready.) Frances was a soft heart when it came to animals and during her lifetime had everything from a stubborn pony, countless dogs, and even a parrot. However, cats she favored above all others, and she leaves her beloved Lucky, a former stray, behind. Still, at the end of her life, all Frances wanted was to be with her Arley again, and we take comfort knowing they are together once more. The family wants to extend its sincerest thanks to all who helped Frances in her later years. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark., with visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Bella Vista Cemetery. Pastor Randall Caselman will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Church of Christ, 8889 West McNelly Road, Bentonville, Ark., 72712 or the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 5248, Bella Vista, Ark., 72714. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Published April 24, 2015

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