Frances Krautheim

 Frances Bell Krautheim, 85, of Beaufort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in the town where she was born on July 18, 1940. She was the daughter of pharmacist F. R. Bell and homemaker Neva Chadwick Bell.

Fran grew up in Beaufort, graduated from Beaufort High School, then attended Salem College and Indiana University, where she met her husband of 56 years, Dan Krautheim. Their first date was a trip to the dental school in Indianapolis, which led to a lifetime of love, dental-related transportation, and, ironically, her false teeth. She studied history and secondary education and taught fourth grade for one year before realizing that her calling was teaching adults, vowing never to work with children again. She delighted in providing instruction in a wide variety of subjects, including calligraphy, Bible study, and Notary Public certification.

A lifelong member of Ann Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort, Fran was baptized there and remained connected to the congregation throughout her life. She found joy and creativity in the arts, from cross-stitch and stenciling to her work as a graphic designer. She was known for her warmth, humor, and joyful outlook on life, although her primary regret was the years she spent living in Ohio, where her two Yankee children were born.

Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Dan; her children, Kryn Krautheim of Chapel Hill, and Kathryn (Karl) Fiebich of Cary; and her beloved grandchildren, Calvin Daniel Fiebich and Chelsea Bell Fiebich, also of Cary. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other family. She was predeceased by her sisters, Elizabeth “Libby” Gilbert Bell and Neva Bell Barnhardt.

A memorial service will be held at Ann Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM, officiated by Reverend Dena White. The family will receive friends in the Eure Building after the service. In keeping with Fran’s joyful spirit, attendees are kindly encouraged to wear colorful clothing rather than dark or formal attire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ann Street UMC Organ Fund (donate here) or to the FSHD Society (donate here), dedicated to advancing treatments for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.

For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available at noefs.org/obituaries/frances-krautheim.

Fran's personal message after every Sunday school lesson was, “Remember, you are loved more than you could possibly imagine. Go and spread the love.”

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC