Frances Barnhill

FRANCES BARNHILL, "Nana," the former Francesca Marcia Spadafora, daughter of Francisco and Maria Gallo Spadafora, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016, in Little Rock, Ark. She was 94 years old. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Captain Bruce Bennard Barnhill M.D. and eight siblings. Frances is survived by her two sons, John Gilbert Barnhill M.D. and James Bernard Barnhill J.D.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Born in Sunnyside, Utah, on March 3, 1922, Frances was the youngest of nine children. She completed nursing school at Mary's Help College of Nursing in San Francisco in 1943. Shortly thereafter she met and married Dr. Bruce Barnhill, who later rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Naval Medical Corps and served as Commanding Officer of several U.S. Naval hospitals, both in the States and abroad. Frances enjoyed entertaining and hosting formal events during her husband's thirty years of military service. In 1973, Frances and Bruce moved to Tallahassee, Fla., where she lived until his death in 2009. Frances was a registered nurse, and Frances primarily served in various volunteer activities. She especially enjoyed volunteering during election time as a poll worker. She was an avid golfer. Regularly playing golf, she also frequently volunteered to work golf tournaments. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at Ruebel Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, located at 801 Sherman Street, followed by a graveside service at Corning Cemetery in Corning, Ark. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.