Frances 'Fran' Arusell, 86, Harvey, formerly of Fessenden, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey.

Frances Mildred Eckart, daughter of Helmuth and Mary (Putz) Eckart, was born December 12, 1932 at Harvey. She grew up in Martin and was a member of the Martin Baptist Church, being baptized in the nearby Sheyenne River. She attended Martin Public School, graduating in 1950 as Salutatorian of her class. She attended Minot State College and received her teaching certificate in 1958. She later graduated from Valley City Teachers College with a degree in Elementary Education. Frances taught school for 34 years, some of which was in one and two room country schools and the last 25 years she taught third grade at Fessenden Public School. She retired from teaching in 1984.

Frances married Gilmond 'Gil' Arusell on August 11, 1961 in Martin, and they made their home in the Fessenden area. Frances became a member of the First Baptist Church of Fessenden where she was involved with Bible School, Sunday School, Nursery, Esther Circle and sang in the church choir.

She was a former member of the Eastern Star, having served in the several offices. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the North Dakota Retired Teachers Association, the Harvey Senior Citizens Club, the Cottonwood Homemakers Club and later, the Martin Homemakers Club.

Gil passed away December 19, 2000 and the following year Frances moved to Harvey. In 2012 she entered the St. Aloisius Nursing Home where she enjoyed visiting and playing various games with her friends.

She is survived by here sisters, Mary Ann (Bud) Michelson of Martin and Cleo Bender of Harvey; sisters-in-law, Joyce Eckart of Harvey and Irene Arusell of Kent, WA; brother-in-law, Gerald Arusell of Hoquiam, WA; seven nieces; eleven nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Gil; her parents; two sisters, Dorothy Dockter and Alice Wade; one brother, Dick Eckart; 3 brothers-in-law, Royce Bender, Elden Arusell and Vernon Dockter; two sisters-in-law, Lois Arusell and Evelyn Arusell; two nephews, Steven Wade and John Arusell; one niece Pam Bender; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 14, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden

Prayer Service: Tuesday evening at 7 PM at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden

Funeral: Wednesday, May 15, at 2:00 P.M. at the Martin Baptist Church in Martin

Burial: Hillside Cemetery in Fessenden

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com