Frances Ethel Faris, 95, of Bowman, ND, died Thursday morning, March 15, 2012, at Southwest Healthcare Services. Funeral Services are Monday, March 19th at 2:00 PM at the Bowman United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Olson officiating, burial to follow in the Bowman Cemetery. A family and friends service will be held Sunday evening at 7:00 at Krebsbach/Kulseth Funeral Home.
Frances was born March 12, 1917 at the family farm North of Amidon in Slope County, the daughter of Hilma Waller Grange and Alfred R. Grange. She attended grade school and 2 years of High School in Amidon. While in high school, she played basketball for the Amidon Rangers. The last 2 years of high school were finished by correspondence in one year, graduating in 1935. After graduation Frances worked for the WPA and for Clara D. Brown in the County Superintendent of Schools office. Frances married Lawrence on October 17, 1937 at the Bowman United Methodist Church. After spending the Winter in Portland, OR, Lawrence and Frances came back to North Dakota and bought the Roy Cochrane farm South of Bowman in 1938. They continued to farm and ranch until April 1971 when they moved into Bowman. Lawrence passed away on March 10, 2002. While on the farm, Frances always had a big garden, flowers, and raised chickens. She sold cream and eggs for many years and delivered it to her customers in town. Barn dances were held on the farm starting in 1939 and continued for 5 years.
Frances started a 4-H club for the neighbor kids and was a leader for many years. Frances served on the local and state school boards, was a member of Eastern Star, Past Matrons, Bowman United Methodist Church, Southwest Healthcare Auxiliary, Modern Homemakers Club, and was a Grey Lady Volunteer at St. Lukes Tri-State Hospital. Frances was very active in the church holding many offices and served on several committees. She also taught Sunday School and was the church secretary for 15 years. She sold RADA knives for the United Methodist Women for over 35 years and was affectionately known as "The Knife Lady".
Frances and Lawrence traveled extensively throughout the United States, some of their favorite trips were to Alaska and Hawaii.
Frances crocheted many afghans and did needlepoint pictures, giving many of her creations to family members. She took great pride in her home, her flower gardens, her yard, and most importantly, her family. Many afternoons were spent going for coffee and visiting. One of her greatest joys was to sit and visit with her family, she spent many hours regaling us with stories from the past.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, son Roy, son-in-law Dick Stuber, and sister Mildred Morland. She is survived by her daughter: Laureen Stuber,Bowman; son and daughter-in-law: Lowell and Jan Faris, Bowman; daughter-in-law Marlene Grange, Marquette, Mich.; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Marie Faris and numerous nieces and nephews.