Frances L. "Frannie" Fann

Dear Vernon,
We are saddened by the loss of Frannie. She was a great lady and will be missed. I'll miss our phone conversations and our lunches.
We know there'll be a void, but remember there lives within each and everyone of us a higher power. May the light shine upon you and your family and protect you with love.
Hugs
Denny & Dottie Copeland

Dear Vernon,

I'm deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Frannie. Hugs to your entire family during this difficult time....

Marcia Copeland (Denny & Dottie Copeland's daughter)

Out of the many great memories of Frannie, one that stands out to me was the first one.

A short time after I met Cathy, she invited me to her house to meet Frannie and Vern. I prepared for this visit very well--I had just distinguished myself by getting a 4-hour F in the spring of 1984, which placed me on academic probation at the University of Missouri. I should have used that as the introduction to a book titled

Out of the many great memories of Frannie, one that stands out to me was the first one.

A short time after I met Cathy, she invited me to her house to meet Frannie and Vern. I prepared for this visit very well--I had just distinguished myself by getting a 4-hour F in the spring of 1984, which placed me on academic probation at the University of Missouri. I should have used that as the introduction to a book titled "How NOT to Impress Future In-Laws".

Driving over to their house, I turned my brain upside-down trying to figure out how to put my self-inflicted idiocy in the best possible light. Predictably, there was no good way to do it; so I just hoped for the best as I walked up to their front door. I fully expected and deserved to receive harsh scowls of judgement and some cold shoulders--such would be part of the medicine that I would need to take, to get my act together.

To my great surprise, I received a very pleasant smile and greeting from Frannie when I walked through the front door. That put me at ease, and she and Vern conducted pleasant first conversations with me. I imagine that they were thinking, "who is this knucklehead courting our baby daughter?"...but they were very gracious to me on that first visit.

I'll never ever forget that. I figured that if they were going to be that nice to me...when I certainly didn't deserve it...then I'd better push myself in the right direction if I was going to ever become a part of the family. So, I did.

And, it started with that first smile from Frannie...

--Jay Murry

Vernon,
I heard today about Frannie. I'm terribly sorry for your loss. May God Bless you & your family at this difficult time.
Tina Copeland Nelson
(Denny & Dottie's daughter)

Such a precious lady. I loved going to Vernon and Frannie's when I was a little kid, and I will always remember those times with great fondness. My heart goes out to each of you as I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss; we know Frannie put up a good fight and will be missed by many people. We will keep you all in our prayers. Sorry we can't be present on 1/7/12, please enjoy the celebration of life and the fond memories that will comfort you in the months to come.

Linda, Cathy, Tammy and Mr. Fann,
I will always remember your mom's
warm and friendly personality. The pajama
parties were so much fun. Mrs. Fann would make
the best tacos and the donuts always
tasted better at the Fann house. I know she will be watching
over all of you. God bless.

I will always remember Mrs. Fann as a loving and caring woman. She had many talents and a warm smile. I know her family and friends realize what a treasure she was and will have many loving and cherished memories of this very special lady.

We will pray for God to watch over her family during this difficult time.

Mom managed to be many things to many people. She had a gentle quietness that told you it was okay to be you and she wouldn't judge. Above all else, Mom loved her family and laughter, and cherished her memories. Her best times were those where noisy laughter and good-natured ribbing took center stage.

There was an innocence about her that would never fail to make her the target of some of that ribbing. Laughing at herself tickled her the

Mom managed to be many things to many people. She had a gentle quietness that told you it was okay to be you and she wouldn't judge. Above all else, Mom loved her family and laughter, and cherished her memories. Her best times were those where noisy laughter and good-natured ribbing took center stage.

There was an innocence about her that would never fail to make her the target of some of that ribbing. Laughing at herself tickled her the most. She invariably managed to mess up the re-telling of a joke, which we found funnier than the joke itself. And some of our favorites were good for a lifetime. Like when she stopped at a four-way traffic light, then barreled right through it to make a left-hand turn on a very red light. All three of us girls sat inside the car watching traffic coming at us from both sides, gripping the seats and door handles and forcing out unintelligible noises of terror, while she calmly chattered away at the wheel, in blissful ignorance that she'd just run a red light in full traffic. When we finally managed to use real words, she informed us calmly that we were all mistaken and that "it was okay to make a left turn on red in Missouri now." We never tired of telling that story and she still thinks we had that law changed on her just so we could tease her about it.

There are no words in all the dictionaries in the world to describe what she meant to me and how much I will miss her. I love you, Mom.

Frannie was so much more than just my sister. She practically raised me from my birth. She was 13 when I was born and I became her mascot and constant companion, as well as irritation. I have many happy memories of her and Vernon babysitting me: Frannie on one side of the couch, Vernon on the other, and me right smack between them watching "Wagon Train" or "The Rebel" or "Gunsmoke." She was my sanity when things went wrong in

Frannie was so much more than just my sister. She practically raised me from my birth. She was 13 when I was born and I became her mascot and constant companion, as well as irritation. I have many happy memories of her and Vernon babysitting me: Frannie on one side of the couch, Vernon on the other, and me right smack between them watching "Wagon Train" or "The Rebel" or "Gunsmoke." She was my sanity when things went wrong in my life. Hers was the hand I held for security. She gave me dating advice and later parenting advice. Vernon walked me down the isle when I married my beloved Larry 41 years ago. They took me with their family camping, hiking, skating and touring just like I was one of theirs. I guess I thought I was - and still am. I'll miss her more than I can say. She was my best friend and I will carry her in my heart forever.

Mom, you are without a doubt the bravest, most selfless person I have ever known. I am so very blessed to have had such wonderful parents in you and dad. You have set such a great example for everyone who knows you, how to live life to it's fullest, with no regrets. The lifelong love affair you and dad shared is the kind of thing most people strive for, but very few achieve. You will be so greatly missed, but

Mom, you are without a doubt the bravest, most selfless person I have ever known. I am so very blessed to have had such wonderful parents in you and dad. You have set such a great example for everyone who knows you, how to live life to it's fullest, with no regrets. The lifelong love affair you and dad shared is the kind of thing most people strive for, but very few achieve. You will be so greatly missed, but your legacy of love, strength, laughter and zest for life will live on forever.
Love you more than I can ever say!

Frannie was such a wonderful woman, a wonderful spirit. I always admired her strength, her ability to do just about anything she set her mind to. She gave me confidence in myself when it came to sewing. I remember her telling me "just go for it". I loved her sense of humor too. What a wonderful woman she was. She will be greatly missed by so many. I send my love, and my prayers to the family.

With sorrow we leave this message. Frannie was always an inspiration to everyone, especially the family. She was kind, loving, funny, sweet and always pleasant to be around. She added something special to our family, and we will miss her.

Fran & Vernon always provided a second home for so many of us neighbor kids when we were young. A place we felt welcome. Even as young as we were, we all realized their relationship was one to strive for. The memories provide me with yet another smile as I write.
Fran, you are missed. Be at peace.

As long as I can remember Fannie and Vern has been My Parents close friends. When I think of all the great times they have had together,from camping to Bowling to traveling to playing cards to just going out to eat together. Mom and Dad would allways have a funny story to tell. Thank you so much for being such great friends to my Mom and Dad .When my Mom told me of Frannies passing I was so sad not only for her family but for my parents.I know she will be greatly missed.

We will never forget Frannie's warm smile and deep love for her family. She had the kindest heart and showed a caring and genuine interest in all those who were fortunate enough to meet and know her. Our most vivid memory is of her incredible inner strength when, earlier this year in Europe, she walked more than a mile uphill to tour a Fort - and then walked back to the cruise ship. Although she had to stop many times,

We will never forget Frannie's warm smile and deep love for her family. She had the kindest heart and showed a caring and genuine interest in all those who were fortunate enough to meet and know her. Our most vivid memory is of her incredible inner strength when, earlier this year in Europe, she walked more than a mile uphill to tour a Fort - and then walked back to the cruise ship. Although she had to stop many times, her only concern was that she should not "slow us down". Her courage and determination in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us. Through her pain and suffering she has taught us that no matter what life has in store, we should cherish and enjoy each and every moment. Our special prayers and thoughts go to Vern and Frannie's family. God Bless you Frannie and may you live forever in peace, in Heaven.

We will forever treasure the memories we have of Mrs. Fann and of all the fun times we shared. Heaven holds a special place for her. She will will greatly missed! Our deepest sympathy, Dan Murphy (neighbor kid) and wife Lisa Murphy

My mother, my friend, my biggest supporter in all my endeavors. There is no one who I would rather share my thoughts or ideas with. She always listened and we would talk about decorating, sewing, painting, crafts, gardening, crafts, my kids, Dad, and most importantly where we were going that day for lunch. We had a lot in common. I always felt at ease and happy when I was with her. My life is what it is because of her and will never be the same without her. I love you, Mom. You’ll be forever in my heart.

it was my good fortune to know frannie thru ab vern and larry worked and played together.we both loved and admired her courage .our familys prayers go out to vern and the kids,god be with you josie coulson and family

Just to know Frannie was to love her, such a courageous lady. We'll miss her so much. God bless each of you.

Frannie was such a special person. She amazed me with all she could do. Two little things that came to me were the time we went iceskating on the pond at the golf course while all you girls were in school. Also, when she taught me how to crochet bead rings. (this wasn't easy, since I'm left handed) She was a friend and neighbor who will me missed.

VERN AND FAMILY, YOU WERE SO BLESSED TO HAVE FRANNIE AS YOURS TO LOVE. SHE WAS SUCH A MULTI-TALENTED PERSON , WHO COULD DO ANYTHING SHE PUT HER MIND TO. WE CHERISH HER DEAR FRIENDSHIP AND ALL THE GOOD FUN TIMES WE HAD WITH HER! WE WILL GREATLY MISS HER ......SHE LEFT US TOO SOON. SUZIE AND FITZ

Our thoughts and prays are with Vern and your family. Frannie was an amazing women. She was a good friend to my parents and our family and she will be missed.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to you. We'd like to extend our deepest sympathy at this heartbreaking time.