Frances Elliot March 8, 1926 - February 20, 2017

Frances“Fran” Elliott, 90, passed away February 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, and three siblings: brothers Tom and Dick Hills (Nancy) and sister Donna Angell. Fran also left behind 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, 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, Missouri. 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. Even though Fran is no longer in this world, those she left behind will miss her terribly. The loss of her words of encouragement, her helpful advice, her jokes and her sweet nature are a blow to her friends and family. Nevertheless, Heaven just got a bit brighter, and we know that she is filled with joy to be reunited with her beloved husband John, son Kenneth and daughter Linda and the rest of her family that have passed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Intrepid Hospice for their excellent care and support during Fran’s final months and Fairview Baptist Church where Fran attended for years. Services will be held at Fairview Baptist Church in Sparta, Missouri, Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. 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, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.