Billie Ann Braden

Senath, Mo. -- Billie Ann Braden, daughter of the late William G. and Zena (Cox) Fritz, was born April 6, 1936, in Bucoda, Mo., and departed this life Jan. 6, 2018, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at the age of 81 years. Billie Ann married Thomas L. Braden July 10, 1955, in Senath, Mo. He preceded her in death January 4, 2001.

She is survived by two sons, Scott Braden and wife Susan of Pensacola, Fla., and Barry Braden and wife Dana of Manila; one daughter, Laura Ward and husband Mark of Jonesboro; one brother, Joseph Donald Fritz of Senath, Mo.; one sister, Margie Singer of Walnut Ridge; a very special friend and companion, Paul Stout of Senath, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) of Daphne, Ala., Erica (Wesley) Richardson, Andy (Mashella) Braden and Grant (Morgan) Richardson, all of Kennett, Mo.; Sloan Richardson (Hope Sparks) of Orlando, Fla., Holly (Austin) Abbott of Jonesboro and Rachel Braden of Manila; nine great-grandchildren, Presley, Braden, Landy and Gatlin Williams, Olivia and Cooper Richardson, Ryder Braden, Lynnlee Richardson and Hasten Richardson; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Wendell Ray Fritz and Dr. Bobby Dempsey Fritz.

Billie Ann attended school in Imboden and graduated high school in 1954 at Senath. She graduated Arkansas State University with a degree in education. While at Arkansas State she was a member of the Arkettes, an elite group of vocalists that traveled and performed. She began teaching at Thomasville, then moved back to Senath where she taught until her retirement. She was well known for her artistic talent. Anyone owning one of her creations has a real treasure. She also was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan. She attended games at all three stadiums. She was a member of the Senath Lions Club where she worked in the club's Flag program. She was a member of the Senath Church of Christ. She often volunteered for the Celebrate Recovery Program and loved being a part of the Election Board. She conquered her fear of flying when on her 80th birthday Byron Small took her up in his plane for her first flight.

Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Senath Church of Christ. Services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Mr. Art Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett, Mo.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are T.J. Chandler, Charles Parker, Chad Morgan, Greg Harris, Bryon Small, Steve Harris and Charles Horner.

Memorials may be made to the Senath-Hornersville Educational Fund/ Bobby Fritz Memorial Fund P.O. Box 456 Senath, MO 63876 or the Paragould Children’s Home 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Senath was in charge of the arrangements.