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Brinegar, Frances (IV) duBrutz Powers, was born December 2, 1927 to Delmer Lance and Frances (III) duBrutz Robinson Powers who lived in Yukon Territory, Canada. They went to stay with family in Portland, OR so Frances could be born a U.S. Citizen. Her sister, Carolyn Marie Powers Gross, arrived 4 years later. The family came to Kansas as Delmer pursued his career as a geologist. Due to frequent moves, Fran skipped two grades in school & graduated from Wichita High School (East) in 1944 at the age of 16. She attended Wichita University where she met her future husband, Wayne Louis Brinegar. She graduated with a degree in zoology and he with a degree in geology. Their first was when Wayne asked if he could drive her home following a geologist's picnic at Joyland Park which she attended with her parents. They were married on June 20, 1953. Frances held a number of jobs, including helping to open the science department at the new West High School in Wichita. She managed rental properties for her parents, helped with registration at WSU & worked at the voting polls. Most of her time was spent being a mother to her daughters, Deborah Elizabeth (husband Randy Harrison) and Louise Frances (V) (companion Gene Carr) and a community volunteer. Frances was active with St. James Episcopal Church, Music Theatre of Wichita, Camp Fire Girls, Old Cowtown Museum, & The Kansas Humane Society (where her mother & father were both past presidents). Always interested in other cultures, Fran spent six weeks in China, went twice to England & also to New York on theater trips & to Canada, Mexico & multiple countries in Europe. She & Wayne celebrated their 40th anniversary in Australia & New Zealand. She even canoed the Upper Missouri River in Montana with daughter Deb. A 22 year breast cancer survivor, Fran spoke out about the disease at a time when it wasn't mentioned in polite company. She was diagnosed with liver cancer after her 20 year check up and lived another 2 <1/2>years thanks to innovative treatment provided by Dr. Stephen Williamson, Dr.Zachary Collins & their staffs at Kansas University Medical Center. Frances took her final trip & entered eternal life on February 13, 2013. We are grateful for the compassionate care given to her by the staff at Regent Park Healthcare & by Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. We also appreciate our employers and coworkers at Bombardier Aerospace Learjet and S J Prill Financial & Investment Planning for making it possible for us to spend mom's final days by her side. Frances is survived by her daughters and their significant others and by nephews Gary Stemple, Steven Gross, William Gross and niece Evelyn Gross. A celebration of Fran's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 16 at St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67208. Fran loved all colors of the rainbow, so please wear something cheerful. Memorials have been established with the St. James Church Endowment Fund (address above), with Music Theatre of Wichita, 225 W. Douglas, Suite 202, Wichita, KS 67202 and with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, 67202.
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Louise and Deb; I am sad Frances is gone but happy she is with Wayne and at peace. She had a long and full life becasue she made it that way. She was one of the best people I know and has been a good friend to my family in many ways. Always willing to do something for others was what impressed me the day I met her. It is hard to believe I have know your family for over 40 years. You know I love you both and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Seek comfort in the Lord and in your friends and family. Remember all the wonderful memories your mom and dad created for your family.
Kristen Gray
February 21, 2013
Louise and Gene, Deb and Randy: My heart behaves as though I've lost another parent, for your family always made me feel as if I were a Brinegar whenever we were together. I dearly loved both of your folks for giving me two more sisters! Fran's service is about to begin, and from the snowy mountains of North Carolina, I send my love, as well as Eric's, the kids', and the entire Hill Clan's. Our collective arms encircle you from afar, and you know I'm just a phone call away. Your mom lived a full life and was loved dearly. We should all be so lucky! Love you!
Liz Hill Reitz
February 16, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with you! I am there in my heart. Sending lots of hugs. Terri Shirley
February 16, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Frances' passing. She was one of my favorite people at St. James - so down to earth, genuine and friendly. I enjoyed her so much and extend my condolences to her family.
Jenny Gholson-Morris
February 15, 2013
A friend
February 15, 2013
Louise and Deb: I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Your family always made me feel welcome wherever we were, be it far away or near. She will be greatly missed. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Linda
Linda Henn
February 15, 2013
Frances was such a wonderful lady and mother. Having lived just 4 houses north of her I saw her a lot and always at the voting place where she signed everyone in for a lot of years. She will be missed. My sympathies so her family....
Shirley Noble
February 15, 2013
Louise and Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear about the death of your mom. I have many, many wonderful memories of her and our Camp Fire Girls activities. I also remember her intelligence, her kindness and her passion for knitting. Hold tight to your memories as they will bring you comfort. She will be missed by many.
You all will be in my thoughts.
With Sympathy,
Lesa (Miller) Sailor
February 15, 2013
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Brinegar family at this time. We are going to miss Frances, but will cherish the special moments that we have spent with her. Our lives have been enriched simply from knowing Frances.
Jim & Vicky Petty
February 15, 2013
Frances was an amazing lady. I was sorry to hear of your loss.
Teresa Romey
February 15, 2013
Mrs. Brinegar was a faithful room mother, school volunteer, field trip driver, dry socks provider, adventurous Camp Fire leader and always the loving mother. I went on my first camping trip with the Brinegars-we made biscuits on a stick if I remember correctly. So many memories-too many to recall here. Thank you Mrs. Brinegar.
Laura McLemore
February 14, 2013
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