Frances Lucille Elias 1930-2012

ELIAS BENDEN SPRACKLIN

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/4/2012 at 23:09:21

Mapleton Press
3 May 2012

Frances was born on August 8, 1930 in Portsmouth, Iowa to Elmer and Nellie (Benden) Spracklin. She was the youngest of her family. She attended school in Persia, Iowa and graduated from Persia High School with the Class of 1948.

Frances was united in marriage to Ronald N. Elias on June 16, 1951 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1952, the couple started a business together in Mapleton, Iowa. Frances worked along side her husband in their grocery store, "Ronnie's Red and White". They later expanded to a second store in Ute, Iowa. In 1964, the store in Ute was destroyed by a fire and after encouragement from the Ute residents, they rebuilt a new store which included a laundromat, grocery store and a car wash. Frances was always working hard to please customers and give them the best service. She smiled and greeted everyone that came into the store.

In 1970, Frances and Ronald adopted their baby daughter, Ronda. Frances immediately became a very proud and doting mother.

Frances was an early pioneer in the telemarketing industry and was a long time employee of Idleman Telemarketing starting in the early 1980's. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Ute. She was also an active member of the Ute United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and organized several years of Vacation Bible School. She had success with her own Tupperware business. She was promoted to the level of dealer and was awarded the use of a company car.

She loved dancing when she was young. Her and Ron enjoyed riding the train to Neola together and spending nights at Peony Park always brought a smile to her face. She enjoyed music of all kinds and always had the radio on.

In 1986, Ron and Frances relocated back to their hometown of Persia, Iowa. Together, they had a dog kennel and raised dogs during Ron's failing health. Frances continued to be by her husband's side and help him in his ventures. She found her love of dogs and was eager to help take care of them. After Ron's death in 2002, she continued to make her home in Persia and to have several dog companions.

In 2003 she made the move to Des Moines, Iowa to be near her daughter, Ronda and son-in-law, Daniel. She was the proud grandparent of Mackenzie and Caleb. She made new friends and enjoyed time with her family. She moved into Fleur Heights Care Center and then to Carlisle Care Center in 2010. It was here that she died peacefully on Saturday, April 21, 2012 having attained the age of eighty-one years, eight months an thirteen days. In addition to her husband Ron, she was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Ronda and her husband Daniel Frost of Carlisle, Iowa; her grandchildren: Mackenzie and Caleb Frost of Carlisle; her brother Don Spracklin and his wife Dee of Valley, Nebraska; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Pastor Orris Drake officiated the 10:00 am funeral service on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Persia, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were John Hansen, Roger Carrigan, and Ed Vidlak. Serving as casket bearers were Craig Elias, Mark Elias, Sam Elias, Harry Shaw, Jonathan Vidlak, and Jerry Spracklin. Interment was held at the Valley View Cemetery in Persia.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

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