Frances J. Clough

MASON CITY: Frances Fran J. Clough, 84, of Mason City, died Monday, December 8, 2008 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring with burial at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Lime Creek Nature Center or the MacNider Art Museum. \r\n
\r\n
Fran was born July 5, 1924 in Pleasant Hill, MO, and grew up in Hampton, IA. She was the daughter of Dr. William and Hazel (Loomis) Arthur. She graduated from Hampton High School and the University of Iowa. She married Ray E. Clough on August 29, 1946 in Hampton. They moved to Mason City in 1949. Fran believed in serving her community and her love for Mason City and Iowa propelled her into a wide variety of activities. As a Republican, Fran assumed leadership roles on the local, district, and state levels. She dedicated her time and energy, and her strong organizational and leadership skills to the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, MacNider Art Museum, Lime Creek Nature Center, and United Way. Frans caring and kindness also found her helping the many friends she made throughout her lifetime in Mason City and through her years as Manager of Willowbrook Mall. Frans curiosity lead her to read widely. Her love of nature and art and reading about history and politics provided her with many happy hours of life long learning. Frans high energy level and organizational skills served her well as she raised her five children, volunteered in the local community and enjoyed life with her family and friends.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Fran is survived by her children: Catherine Cunningham and husband Kirk of Prescott, AZ, Ray Clough and wife Cynthia of Honolulu, HI, Mary ODonnell of Louisville, CO, Elizabeth Buff Sutherlin and husband Allan of Indianapolis, IN, and William Clough and wife Donna of Auburn, CA. 7 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sarah, Caitlin, Charlotte Anne, Margaret, Thomas and Jessica. 3 great grandchildren. \r\n
\r\n
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray (former Mason City attorney and District Judge), a daughter: Margaret Ann Clough.