Frances Prather Obituary

Frances Regina (Newton) Prather, resident of Leona, Texas passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Riverwood Healthcare in Madisonville, Texas.

Fran was born and raised initially in Dallas before their family moved to Ft. Worth. Her dad, James Floyd Newton, was from the Mexia, Texas area, and her mother, Delia Hoban Newton, immigrated from County Mayo, Ireland through Ellis Island in New York. They met in New York during WWII, married, and lived there for several years before moving to Texas.

Fran married John Prather after being introduced by friends and family. They were married for over fifty-seven years and spent the last twenty years since retirement in Leona, Texas. In addition to being the Army spouse and moving continuously through John’s career, Fran worked for the IRS in Austin, Texas, before taking a position with Hartford Insurance where she eventually retired.

Fran won multiple awards with Hartford over her career and was recognized as a true performer and team leader, eventually culminating with National Level Recognition with travel back to the headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut to meet the executive staff. As her career progressed and John retired from the Army, she was promoted multiple times which required family moves from Austin to San Antonio, and eventually to Houston.

Fran was always involved in the activities of her three children: Heidi, Brian and Sarah. Between PTA organizations, Brownies and Girl Scouts, countless Soccer practices and games, and band concerts and marching band competitions, she was the stalwart supporter and champion of her children’s development.

Her engagement and volunteering continued into retirement in Leona with a condensed list including serving as Treasurer for the Leona Lord’s Pantry, member of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), assistance with running local elections, assistance with Leon County Extension club assistance with summer arts and crafts activities for kids, participant on the FFA scholarship committee, and volunteering for the local County Judge.

She was adored by those who knew her and a deeply appreciated member of the community. Always aware of the needs of others and willing to sacrifice to provide assistance, her empathy and care for others was her radiance.

She is survived by her two daughters, Heidi and Sarah; one son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Kristin; grandsons, James and Reagan; brother, Dennis; sisters-in-law, Helen, Dana, Iris, and Sue; and her three devoted cats.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Delia and her husband, John.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Leona Community Center on FM 977 East.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.