Frances O'Neal

Frances F. O’Neal, 77, of Siloam Springs, passed away at her home on Monday, Aug 17, 2026.

Fran was born on June 8, 1949, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Frances F Holt and Mary Jane Farnsworth Holt. In her early 20’s she married Marcel Lebeau of Irasburg, Vermont. Shortly thereafter, the couple had two sons, Edward and Matthew, and moved to Elm Springs, Arkansas to attend a Christian missionary training program called Youth with a Mission (YWAM). The couple completed the training program, remained on staff at YWAM for 5 years, and had a daughter and another son (Hannah and Marc) prior to Marcel passing away from cancer in 1984. At that point, Fran moved the family to Siloam Springs, Arkansas where she attended John Brown University earning a degree in Business Administration. She then worked for John Brown University as the Associate Registrar for over 20 years until her retirement.

Fran was of the Christian Faith and enjoyed attending church services and Bible studies, making new friends, maintaining relationships with old friends, and being involved in the lives of her kids. Additionally, she enjoyed walking and running, eating vegetables and lentils, riding her bike named “Happiness”, hunting down bargains at garage sales and anywhere else a bargain could be found, and watching “I Love Lucy”. She also was responsible for starting a branch of the Operation Christmas Child ministry in Siloam Springs with her son Marc in the late 90’s that is still active today.

Fran is survived by her husband, Mike O’Neal of the home; two sons, Edward Lebeau and Matthew Lebeau both of Siloam Springs; one daughter, Hannah Lebeau of Siloam Springs; two sisters, Ellen O’Rielly of Florida and Jane Welch of Maine; two grandsons, Jacob and Jesse Lebeau.

When asked in the past what she’d like to be remembered for upon her death she communicated the following: for loving the Lord, for loving her family, and for being somebody who was very much looking forward to seeing her loved ones again in heaven.

Following Fran’s wishes cremation has been chosen. While no services are planned at this time, it is likely some sort of gathering to honour the memory of Fran will be planned in the near future. Stay tuned.

Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs is honored and privileged to be handling all final arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, order memorial trees or send flowers to the family, please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com