Fran Craig Caruthers' Obituary
Frances Craig Caruthers of Springdale, Arkansas passed away on May 4, 2024. She was born to Bill and Dorothy Craig on August 14, 1954, in El Dorado, Arkansas, where she spent her childhood.
Fran graduated from El Dorado High School in 1972 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She was also a valued member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, where she formed friendships that would last throughout her lifetime.
After college, Fran spent decades of her life teaching journalism and English language arts. She began her career at El Dorado High School in 1977, where she sponsored the Hi-Gusher newspaper and the Wildcat yearbook staff. She was a dedicated Wildcat fan and spent 29 years teaching at her alma mater.
In 2005, she and her family moved to Northwest Arkansas. The next year, she began teaching English at Bentonville High School. There, she dedicated fourteen more years to her students before finally retiring in 2016. Fran was best known for connecting with her students in authentic and meaningful ways. No student who had Fran left her class without feeling seen and valued.
Fran is preceded in death by her parents, and she is survived by her two children; her son, Trey Caruthers and his wife, Kim, of Fayetteville; her daughter, Katie Caruthers of Decatur, Georgia; and her granddaughter, Evelyn, who was the light of her life. Anyone who knew Fran knew how much she loved her family and how becoming a grandmother to Evelyn made all her dreams come true. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will be carried on by those who love her.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday May 10, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Feel free to wear colors to celebrate a bold and beautiful life. Her favorite color was pink, and she would love nothing more than to see everyone reflecting her bright personality.
May we all love and live as fiercely as Fran Caruthers.
What’s your fondest memory of Fran?
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Share a story where Fran's kindness touched your heart.
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