Frances Columbus

Frances Marie Columbus, 94, went to her Heavenly home on Friday, January 30, 2026. Frances was born in NLR, AR on March, 15, 1931, where she remained a lifelong resident.

Frances was also a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she married the love of her life, Phil, on October 15, 1955. Together, they adopted two children, Tony and Tina.

Frances, or Casso, as her friends would call her, was a proud member of the “Forty-Niners,” otherwise known as the Class of 1949 of Mt. St. Mary Academy. She was also a part of the basketball team in high school. Upon graduation, she put aside her dreams of nursing school to take a job and help her family.

Her love grew as friends and family had children, whom she deeply loved and cared for as her own. Frances’ joy continued with the birth of her grandchildren, who she kept at her home for many years. She was also the proud great-grandmother to 10 great-grandchildren.

Frances was a huge fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, anything chocolate, black coffee with a side of Jackson’s Vanilla Wafers, and Diet Coke. Her cookie jar was never empty and friends and family couldn’t wait for the holidays when her famous Kolachis would be made. Frances was a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Choir and Silver Shamrocks.

She is survived by her two children: Tony Columbus (Susan) and Tina Henry (Max), 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two younger brothers, Bud and Jim (Dee) Casavechia.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband, Phil, her parents, Fred and Josephine Casavechia, and two lifelong, best friends, Rose and Charlotte.

Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Smith Family Funeral Home in NLR, AR. Rosary to follow. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, NLR, AR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Building Fund, Mt. St. Mary Academy Annual Fund, or the Alzheimer's Association.