Services: 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 25 at Fairview Baptist Church in Sparta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairview Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Cremation under the direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
Frances “Fran” Elliott, 90, died Feb. 20, 2017, peacefully in her home. Fran was born March 8, 1926, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Kenneth and Madeline (Dillon) Hills. Fran was one of five children.
Frances is survived by her son John L. Elliott (Margee); stepdaughters Kathy James (Dan) and Christy Lundholm; three siblings, brothers Tom and Dick Hills (Nancy) and sister Donna Angell; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Fran was preceded in death by husbands Boyd Musselman and John K. Elliott; son Kenneth Musselman; daughter Linda (Musselman) Leisenring; sister Mary (Hills) Blaske; and grandson Everett Musselman.
Fran, always a gentle soul, was loved in her community of Sparta. She was very fond of animals, especially her little dog Rusty, and was always pleased to host visitors, family and friends. As her children, grandchildren and friends settled throughout the country, keeping in touch with them became extremely important to Fran. She never missed sending a birthday or holiday greeting, and she often called just to see how things were going and shoot the breeze.
Fran possessed a rare kindness and empathy and a great sense of humor. She was always quick to tease or joke, but she was just as ready to offer advice or help when needed. As someone who believed that self-determination and hard work were the hallmarks of character, Fran, with John, her husband of more than 56 years, could always be relied upon to lend a helping hand.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Intrepid Hospice for the excellent care and support during Fran’s final months and Fairview Baptist Church where Fran attended for years.
