Frances Ruth Croft Little

Frances Ruth Croft Little, 83, of Amarillo, Texas passed away on May 18, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Rector Funeral Home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, in Rector Pioneer Chapel with Trey Wooten officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home, 2800 S. Osage St.

Frances Ruth, named after her parents Emmett Francis and Hellon Ruth White, was born January 9, 1943, in Amarillo Tx. The youngest of six children, Frances was raised in a home where hard work and responsibility were not optional, but neither was deep abiding love. Above all, Frances and her siblings were raised to know the LORD.

From an early age Frances’ childhood was filled with more than just her siblings, with her parents being foster parents, it was so natural to have a multitude of kids moving in and out of her home and her life. This was the beginning of what would be her life’s calling.

Frances was joined in marriage on August 11, 1961, to Steve Croft. Together they raised their two children, Tim and Regina. Frances stayed at his side for 44 years until his death.

Frances opened her first in-home daycare in 1965, and operated Fran’s Nursery Land for 45 years, only taking a short sabbatical in the late 90’s to be the caregiver to her mother in her final days.

Frances has left a legacy of love and faith through all the many children that she took care of. From early morning drop-offs to after-hours snacks, Frances loved each child that came her way. It was her life’s mission to ensure each and every child knew they were loved and knew about Jesus.

Frances belonged to the Greater Amarillo Area Daycare Association, GAADA, for many years even serving as president. The association’s goals were to join an alliance to ensure the most loving and safe atmosphere for children whose parents worked outside the home. Frances spent many years answering a referral hotline to connect parents with the perfect provider.

After being widowed, Frances found courage she never knew she had. At 62 years old she drove a major highway for the first time, taking 287 North to visit her daughter’s family. Not only did she discover she could do it, she found out that she liked the feeling of independence and freedom. She began making the 50-mile drive often, attending family functions, celebrations and even simple family dinners.

As she maneuvered through life on her own, God had a surprise for her, she would not be alone long. In a way only God could do, he brought her a new love, a love that came along and swept her off her feet.

Frances wed Travis Little on June 5, 2010, and began the biggest, most amazing adventure of her life. Travis would take that courage that had ignited in her and fan it into total confidence and bravery. Together they traveled, went antiquing, visited family and friends, and she even went camping for the first time.

Travis offered her a life that had not been possible before by allowing her to retire. He spent many years showing her a new world as well as a new kind of love. Together they wiped away each other’s past heartaches, clearing the way for joy, peace and love that radiated all around them.

Five years ago, when a fall and Parkinson’s caused severe damage, Travis was right at her side. Not only did he exhibit selfless love as he gently nursed her to get as much strength back as possible, but he also pushed her with that same kind of love to get back up, reminding her of her worth and that she was so much stronger than she could ever know.

They had five more years together and even though those years looked different than the first eleven, Travis found a way to help her find new adventures and passions, reminding her that joy can be found in everyday life when you are with the right person.

Not only was Frances blessed with a new love when she married Travis, she gained a daughter. Travis’s daughter, Melinda stepped into her life and loved her with a depth that was unfathomable.

There truly are no words to describe the gratitude that not only Frances felt, but her daughter Regina does as well. Melinda’s dedication to Frances was unsurpassable, she exhibited the love of a daughter, a true daughter. For that, Frances’ family will be forever grateful.

Regina had the honor to be at her mom’s side until the very end, making final and everlasting memories.

Frances was preceded in death by her children’s father, Steve Croft; her son, Tim Croft; all of her siblings, Clinton, Ivor, Leroy and RosaLee White; as well as her sister and best friend, Lois Barnes; and extended family, Tommy Little and grandson, Nathan.

Frances is survived by the love of her life, Travis Little; her devoted daughter, Regina Gorham of Dumas; Regina’s family, husband Bryan and children Mistie and Rick Champion of McAllen, Caleb and Crystal Rowe of Amarillo, Lillianna and Justin McWilliams, Lincoln and Rebekah Gorham and Lyla Gorham, all of Dumas; daughter-in-law, Debbie Croft of Amarillo; great grandchildren, Ashley and Lacey Champion, Leif Davis and Wesley Scott McWilliams; extended family, Lee Rowe; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Frances is also survived by her big amazing bonus family; daughter, Melinda Fay and husband Peter of Brenham; grandson, Brandon Fay of Prairie View; granddaughters, Scarlet Little of Amarillo, Shanna Vallier and husband James of Beaumont, Kendra Little of Amarillo, Amber Chapman and husband David of Bacliff, Ryan Martinez and husband Manuel of Anahuac and Alyssa Vallier; grandsons, Russell, James Vallier, and Wayne Little of Amarillo; and great-granddaughters, Kailey, Skyla, Mackenzie, Presley, Kaylin, Kensley and Kadence.