Frances H. Arnold

Frances H. Arnold, 97, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on March 5, 2026. She was born on May 5, 1928, in Salem, KY. She was the daughter of Grover Cleveland and Erma Marjorie Head and the youngest of eleven children.

In 1957, Fran married J. Theodore Arnold, and she enthusiastically supported his career by relocating whenever needed before the family settled in Indianapolis in 1963. Together they raised four children. She sadly lost the love of her life, Ted, in 1982. Her growing family eventually included six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy to her.

As her children grew older, Fran found her lifelong passion and began her devoted volunteer career, giving generously of her time and energy to benefit others. She helped establish the Wishard Hospital Volunteer Gift Shop (Eskenazi Hospital) and spent thousands of hours there in service. Because of her dedication, she was asked to join the Board of Directors for Wishard Memorial Foundation, Inc., where she served for many years.

Fran was known as the “rum cake queen” for the countless hours she spent baking thousands of rum cakes for fundraisers. As a longtime member and multi-year president of both Benefé Guild and Sunnyside Guild, she helped raise funds that benefited the Julian Center, Pleasant Run Children’s Home, Wishard’s Pulmonary Department, and the American Lung Association.

She was also honored with two of the most prestigious awards for community service in the states of IN and KY, being named both a Distinguished Hoosier and a Kentucky Colonel. These honors are among the highest recognitions those states bestow on citizens, acknowledging exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to community.

Fran was a longtime member of Highland Golf and Country Club, where she ran the Junior Golf Program for many years. She was also a longtime member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Fran enjoyed playing golf and bowling in weekly leagues into her 90s. She also loved reading and playing bridge. She was incredibly hospitable and was always opening her home, making everyone feel welcome and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, her parents and siblings. Fran is survived by her children, Susan (James) Targove of Hadley, MA; Robert (Jill) Arnold of Speedway, IN; Linda (Steve) May of Zionsville, IN; and Nancy (Rick) Maethner of Indianapolis, IN. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rebecca Targove of Northampton, MA; Will (Maggie) Maethner of Indianapolis, IN; Alex (Lauren) May of Marietta, GA; Samantha (Kevin) Kelly of Indianapolis, IN; Laura (Corbin) Bullock of Westfield, IN; and Elaine (Zach) Major of Lexington, KY. Her great-grandchildren, Cruz, Theo, Rylee, Caroline, Lincoln, Marley, and a soon-to-arrive baby May, were a delight to her. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Her family brought her immense joy throughout the years.

Fran will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, her spunky attitude, and her unwavering dedication to her family and her community. She lived her life with the motto, “One day at a time.” She will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at Leppert Mortuaries, 740 E. 86th St. in Indianapolis, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., with calling one hour prior at 10 a.m. A live stream will be available at www.stlukesumc.com/funeral.

To honor Fran’s love of service and those who served, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.