Doreen E. Fronsoe

Doreen E. Fronsoe, 81, of Bella Vista, Ark., went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2012, at 5:25 a.m. During her final days at the Circle of Life Hospice Center in Bentonville, Ark., she was surrounded and comforted by her immediate family members. Doreen was born to Forest and Helen Young of Sidney, Ohio, on Dec. 17, 1930. Doreen was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Robert and Timothy. Doreen graduated from high school in Sidney, Ohio, and furthered her education in the field of preschool education at 916 VO-Tech Institute and Lakewood Community College in White Bear Lake, Minn. She had worked for many years as a preschool teacher, then as a church secretary and handbell choir director. Doreen and her high school sweetheart, Milton, were married for 61 years. To this union were born three children, whom she loved and always offered her best in guidance and support. Doreen was actively involved in music her whole life. She composed, directed and arranged music for her professional trios ("The Harmonettes" and "The Starlighters") and many vocal and handbell choirs in both White Bear Lake, Minn., and Bella Vista, Ark. She is remembered as an excellent pianist and singer. She also enjoyed sports, cooking, vocal music, nature, crafts, travel and visiting Elderhostels around the world. Doreen is survived by her husband, Milton Fronsoe of Bella Vista; son, Russell Fronsoe of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Nanci Mills of Westminster, Colo.; son, the Rev. David Fronsoe and wife, Cheryl, of Minneapolis, Minn.; brother, Daniel Young of Mount Summit, Ind.; grandchildren, Christopher Fronsoe, Timothy Fronsoe, Angela Fronsoe, Erica Fronsoe, Elizabeth Fronsoe and Chase Mills; great-grandchildren, Meliah Fronsoe, Quinlan Fronsoe and Jeremiah Mills. A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30, at Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Boulevard, Bella Vista, Ark. A second viewing will be held at noon at the Bella Vista Community Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Bella Vista Memorial Gardens. Memorial gifts can be made in Doreen's honor to the Bella Vista Community Church Handbell or Vocal Choir (479-855-1126), to the Village Handbell Ringers (479-855-6643) or to the Circle of Life Hospice Center (479-872-3389). Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.