Virginia Fraley, 101, died peacefully on May 8, 2026, at Trinity Hospital, Minot.

Virginia Earle Pels was born on February 28, 1925, in Temple, Texas to Joseph and Linda (Brandes) Pels. She was raised and educated in Temple, graduating from Temple High School in 1942. After her education she was employed in Killeen, TX as a secretary for a construction company that constructed Ft. Hood Army Post. She was then employed at McCloskey General Hospital in the public relations department from 1943 to 1945.

Virginia married Floyd Fraley on April 20, 1945, in Temple, TX. They made their home in Minot in 1946. Virginia was a self-employed seamstress for 20 years. She retired in 1985.

Virginia was a member at Vincent United Methodist Church.

Virginia was an accomplished pianist; she was active both as a soloist and accompanist throughout her school years. Her hobbies included glass collecting, reading, sewing, genealogy, and traveling throughout the U.S.

Her loving family includes her children: Jim (Barb) Fraley of Minot and their children Paul and Nicky, Nancy (Dave) Lingen of Mandan and their children Tina and Scott, Thomas Fraley of El Paso, TX, and his son Lucas, and Bob (Tammy) Fraley of Cottage Grove, MN, and their children Bryan and Kevin; 6 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Floyd, son, Richard Fraley, parents, brother Joseph Pels Jr., and sister Dorothy Walkowiak; sister-in-law Val Pels; brother-in-law Art Walkowiak.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Minot Lodge Senior Living, Cornerstone Caregiving, and Trinity Hospital Comfort Care for their kindness and compassion towards Virginia.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Celebration of Virginia’s Life: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Burial will take place at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot following the funeral.