McComas, Frances Berdene 1924-2022

MCCOMAS, VAN ZANTE, RABER, ILLINGWORTH

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/26/2022 at 18:57:28

Frances B. McComas
February 12, 1924 - May 21, 2022

Frances Berdene McComas passed into eternity to begin her new life in heaven on May 21, 2022. She was 98 years and 3 months old at the time of her passing. Frances was born on February 12, 1924 and was always happy to remind people that she shared a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, and quick to point out that she was not quite as old.

She was born to Marion and Lucille Van Zante in Monroe, IA. She had one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) with whom she shared a close relationship. Frances enjoyed playing girls basketball during high school and was honored to be chosen to play as a forward on the All County team for two years in a row. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1942 and went on to work for PAG/Cargill Seed corn company after graduation. She also enjoyed serving as the church secretary and being involved in various organizations. She fell in love with Dale Norman McComas, and on April 13,1943 they eloped to Unionville, MO to be married. Dale was home on furlough from the Army at that time, and returned to service shortly after their marriage. Frances continued to live at home until the end of WWII, when Dale returned home. They then purchased their home in Monroe, where they raised their three children.

Frances loved being a mother and homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and she always enjoyed hosting family dinners at their home. She was especially known for her delicious desserts, Christmas fudge and divinity, and homemade noodles.

After her children were grown, Frances returned to the seed company to work. She enjoyed traveling for family vacations and attending family gatherings. Frances especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren--Amanda, Jen, Ryan, Britney, Callie, Natalie, and Casey. She delighted in playing with her grandchildren, who especially loved when she managed to give them a fright while playing hide and seek or watching scary movies. "Hide the button" was another favorite game that her grandchildren loved to play with her.

Her husband, children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Frances and Dale were married for 63 happy years. After his passing, Frances moved to Newton Village in Newton, IA where she enjoyed visiting friends and attending activities.

Frances is survived by her son Gary (Ellen) McComas of Pleasant Hill, IA, and daughters Deborah (Larry) Raber of Grimes, IA, and Donna Illingworth of Newton, IA, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Monroe Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Wednesday beginning at 10:30 am at the church until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Monroe, IA, the Monroe Fire Department, or MercyOne Hospice in Johnston, IA. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

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Services

VISITATION
MAY
25
Wednesday
First Presbyterian Church
113 S Main Street
Monroe, Iowa 50170
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

SERVICE
MAY
25
Wednesday
First Presbyterian Church
113 S Main Street
Monroe, Iowa 50170
Burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery.
11:00 AM ~ The Coburn Funeral Home, Monroe, Iowa 21 May 2022.