Frances L. Mcdonald

Frances Leota McDonald, the eldest surviving child of Chester Frank and Leota Agnes Pruitt Simmons was born April 30, 1920 on a farm northwest of Barnard. Her life of 96 years, 8 months, and 10 days ended peacefully in the presence of her family at Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Kansas Tuesday afternoon, January 10, 2017.

"Fran", as she was known and loved by all, grew up on the Simmons farm and attended nearby Georgia School. She graduated from Beloit High School in the Class of 1938 and continued her education for one year at Emporia State University where she studied music education.

On September 20, 1941, she married her high school sweetheart, Maurice Vail McDonald at First Christian Church in Beloit. Four children Lynda Beth, Larry Vail, Philip James, and Mark Maurice were born to this happy and vibrant union of 65 years. They began their married life living in the former location of the McDonald Funeral Home until 1955 when they moved into the newly constructed location at 9th and Campbell. In 1965, they moved to San Diego, California and Frances attended Kelsey-Jenney Business College for one term where she studied typing, bookkeeping and shorthand and became employed in the credit union at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. In July, 1968, she and Maurice returned to Beloit and purchased the McDonald Funeral Home from his parents. She was a constant helpmate until their retirement in 1989. They enjoyed many happy years together until Maurice died on December 4, 2006.

A kind, gentle, but strong willed person, Frances made the most of her life and loved being active and independent as long as she could. Always quick and thorough to think, she approached every situation with great determination. She loved music, became a humble, accomplished pianist and taught piano lessons for many years, demanding excellence from her students every step of the way. She graciously shared her talent by playing for countless funerals and church services. Frances loved people and enjoyed membership in Ad Volens and the Beloit Music Club and was an ardent supporter of the Community Concert Association. She was no stranger to hard work and was quick to assist with the task at hand.

Frances cherished her faith, her family, and her friends. She was baptized into Christ in the Saltville Presbyterian Church and was a dedicated member of First Christian Church, serving in numerous capacities including choir and playing the piano and organ. She was faithful in reading her Bible every day and completed the Menninger Bible Class. As her health failed, her faith in the Lord enabled her to see beyond this life and into glory. Her family brought her much joy and she was always there for them until the very end. An excellent cook, Frances enjoyed hosting large family gatherings especially at Christmas, Thanksgiving and 4th of July. Her leisure time was happiest spent traveling, sewing, quilting, and reading.

Her parents, an infant brother Jamie Simmons, brother Joe Simmons, husband Maurice McDonald and daughter Lynda Myers preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her children Dr. Larry McDonald and wife Chris of Prairie Village, KS, Dr. Philip McDonald wife Joan of Sacramento, CA, Mark McDonald and wife Deb of Beloit; son-in-law Dwain Myers of Lincoln, NE; sister Phyllis Capogna of Boston, MA; 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, January 13 at the First Christian Church in Beloit followed by burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Family visitation will be from 6:30-7:30 PM Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Carol Tolbert Mission Fund or Salina Rescue Mission.