Mary Jo Nelson Fraley

Mary Jo Nelson Fraley of Hot Springs, died Sunday, January 23, 2011, surrounded by her family, thus ending her year-long battle with cancer. Mary Jo was born August 2, 1946 to Joseph and Doris Nelson of Hot Springs. She is survived by her beloved husband of 10 years, Gene Fraley, daughters, Leigh Ann VanGorder (Archie) of Hot Springs, Janie Ramsey (Steve) of Jackson, Miss., grandsons, Blake VanGorder and Nelson Ramsey, sister, Barbara Blacklock (Ramon) of Dayton Ohio, step-children, Shannon Moody, of Austin, Texas, Kevin Fraley (Donna) of Houston, Texas and Sean Fraley of Hot Springs, and step-grandchildren, Elle and Jack Moody and Evan and Alanna Fraley, and true friend Louise Hale of Hot Springs. Mary Jo was in Pilot Club, Garden Club, PTA, a Girl Scout Leader and Life member of Junior Auxilliary of Hot Springs. Her daughters remember her as a "perpetual" homeroom mother. She was a very proud F.O.B. (Friend of Bill). She was a valued employee of the Arlington Hotel for 20 years. Mary Jo was a longtime member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church and Circle 6. Upon her marriage to Gene she became a member of First United Methodist Church. Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents, and sister, Beverly Stangle (Frank) of Vincennes, Ind. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, "Mimi" and friend to many. Pallbearers will be Archie VanGorder, Steve Ramsey, Blake VanGorder, Nelson Ramsey, Daniel Stangle, David Blacklock, and Bob Martorana. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Robert Muldoon and the caring staff at Genesis Cancer Center and President Bill Clinton. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Muldoon, honorary pallbearer, and the Genesis Cancer Center. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 at10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bud Reeves officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.