Frances Otten

Frances Emma Crocini Otten of Little Rock, Ark., went home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 13, 2017 with family by her side. She had valiantly fought illness for the past several months. Born July 29, 1931 in Freeport, N.Y. to John and Philomena Crocini, Fran spent her adolescence in Long Island, N.Y. She attended Mepham High School in Belmore, N.Y. Shortly thereafter, while working at the local Packard automobile dealership, she met her eventual husband Albert F. Otten. hey were married June 3, 1951 in Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Roosevelt, N.Y. and resided in Roosevelt for several years. After several moves that included Manchester, Conn. Memphis, Tenn., and Franklin Lakes, N.J., Fran and Al settled in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1969. During her time in Little Rock, Fran enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, but she truly enjoyed painting. Fran became an accomplished artist with a specialty in watercolors. She was a member of Midsouthern Watercolorists as well as the Arkansas League of Artists. She had several exhibits and won many awards for her work. She also volunteered and provided art lessons to students at the non-profit, Lifequest. She even was a guest art teacher for her grandson's elementary school. In the mid-1980s, she and Al purchased Joe's Hobby Shop. Fran worked diligently in that business and managed the day to day operations. After closing the hobby shop, Fran worked part time at Twin City Antique Mall and helped with serving customers and bookkeeping. Fran loved music and was blessed with the gift of a beautiful voice. As a result, she sang in school and church choirs and even sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She was also a member of the choir at her home parish of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock. She helped the church whenever possible and participated in a weekly Rosary group. Although Fran loved her painting and other hobbies, her true passion and love was her family. She loved having her family around her and enjoyed preparing meals for them. Her cooking skills were honed from her father, who was a restaurant owner and chef. Many of Fran's favorite moments and memories revolved around home-cooked meals and occasions with her loved ones. A loving soul, Fran always put God and others ahead of herself. Her selflessness and humility always stood as an example for all to follow. She always tried to treat everyone fairly and equally and to see the good in everyone she ever encountered. Fran is survived by her brother, Charles Crocini (Helene Crocini) of Manchester Conn., son Dr. James Otten (Vickie Otten) of Lawrence, Kan., son Michael Otten of Little Rock, Ark., daughter Susan Otten Marcantel (Mike Marcantel) of Los Angeles, Calif., son, Jack Otten (Lesa Otten) of Fayetteville, Ark., grandsons John Mark Otten, Jr. and Matthew Otten of Fayetteville, Ark., and Craig Evans (Christine Evans) of San Diego, Calif., great-granddaughter, Lexi Evans of San Diego, Calif., and seven nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Philomena Crocini, brother Vincent Crocini, husband Albert F. Otten, Sr., and son, Albert F. Otten, Jr. There will be a praying of the rosary from 6-7 p.m. and visitation from 7-8 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home (6313 W Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205) on Thursday, January 19, 2017. Funeral service will be celebrated at a Mass at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 20, 2017 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock, Ark. (1003 N. Tyler Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205), with interment of ashes afterward in the columbarium. There will be a luncheon reception at the church after interment and all are welcome to attend. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Autism Speaks, Stowers Institute For Medical Research, or University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Myeloma Institute. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.