Frances Ragan Riley

Frances Ragan Riley age 87, died Saturday, March 10th at Chapel Woods Nursing Home in Warren. She was born March 21st, 1930, in Pine Bluff, Ark., a daughter of the late Herbert Ragan and Sybil Helton Ragan. She was employed with South Western Bell Telephone for 10 years, was a homemaker and tomato farmer, a member of First Baptist Church and retired from Martins Brothers Department Store with 20 years of service. She was also preceded in death by her husband Leland T. Riley whom she married November 1st, 1946 and he died July 31st, 1992. A son Ricky Riley, a son in law Bobby Saunders, brothers Herbert Ragan, Jr. and Johnny Ragan and a grandson in law Roy Sisson also proceeded her in death. Frances Riley went to be with her Lord on Saturday afternoon, surrounded by many who she had loved and cared for throughout her precious life. She was such a special lady while on this earth. She loved her Lord Jesus, she loved Leland Riley and she loved her family. She was an active member of the body of Christ. One area of ministry was teaching the 3rd grade Sunday School class at First Baptist Church which she did for over thirty years. She told Bible stories and shared the gospel with many. She was a true prayer warrior, praying with and for many of her children, grandchildren and other loved ones throughout her days. She often was so encouraging with timely words shared in the cards that she would send. She was an amazing cook and hostess and passed that skill and love down to her daughters. Seldom was a hair out of place, whether at Church or in the tomato field. She ran the pruning and tying operation in late spring and the grading and packing in June and July and she did it well. Amidst all of her goodness, she struggled at times with the concept of this amazing grace that covers all of our sin. She struggles no more. For what we see in a mirror dimly, she sees face to face. What we know in part, she now knows fully. Survivors are 3 daughters Sandra Saunders Barnett and Jimmy, New Edinburg, Ark., Pat Bolland and Jud, Warren, Ark., and Marsha Berry and Phil, Warren, Ark. A half-brother Mike Ragan, Rolling Fork, N.C., and a sister in law Ruth Ragan, Little Rock, Ark. 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services 2:00PM Tuesday, March 13th at Frazer's Funeral Home. Burial in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer's. Visitation 1:00PM till service time on Tuesday at Frazer's. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.