Betty Jane (Roitz) Fraughton (affectionately known as Ol’ Betty) passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on May 18 at the age of 83. Betty was born on April 17, 1934, in Fort Bridger to John and Mary Roitz. Betty was the youngest of seven Roitz siblings who all predeceased her: Mary, John, Frank, Felix, William and Ted.
Betty married Harold “Keith” Fraughton on Jan. 31, 1953, in Evanston. They had two children: their son, Wendell Keith Fraughton, and their daughter, Jonna Fraughton. Their little girl, Jonna, only lived a short time.
Keith passed away on April 17, 1986. Betty never remarried, as Keith was the love of her life. She worked at Benedict’s for many years, and people grew to love her kind spirit and looked forward to her being the one to check them out.
Betty was never lonely, as she was focused and dedicated to her family and friends. She loved her family and was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty could often be found cooking and caring for others and had a heart of gold. Even though Betty was little and sweet, she was also very tough and could be feisty if someone ticked her off. Her favorite saying if she was mad was, “Go to hell,” and she usually cussed out Wilcox and Corky multiple times a day. Betty would do anything for anyone and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Betty is survived by her son, Wendell (Debby) Fraughton; grandchildren Corky (Mandi) Fraughton and Farrah (Jeff) Spencer; great-grandchildren Aspen and Bodey Fraughton and Jonna and Colin Spencer; and step-great-grandchildren Gage and Indianna Covington and Trae Travitz. She is also survived by many others who cared for her, including her dear friend, Bob Wilcox, and her adopted grandchild, Nate Hutchings.
Services were held on Monday, May 22, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Fort Bridger. A viewing was held at 9 a.m. and the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial followed at the Evanston Cemetery.
The family is grateful for all the people who brought food and spent time visiting her and would like to offer special thanks to Sharon Benedict, Carleen Bullinger and Arlene Sweat. A heartfelt thanks is also owed to her caregivers, Mindy Schoengarth, Kaylee Jo Clark and all those from Best Home Health and Hospice.
Online condolence can be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
