Photo courtesy of Collier’s Funeral Home - Saint Ann
Saint Ann, Missouri
Feb 20, 1950 – Jan 22, 2026
Frances Althea Portell (nee Yandell) was called to home on January 22, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Dale C. Portell. Mother of Christopher (Carey) Portell and Amy Portell; grandmother of Steven Portell; sister of Lawrence (Judy) Yandell and the late Richard (Joan) Yandell; great aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Frances loved bowling, playing softball and hanging out with friends and family. She had a beautiful alto voice and loved singing in the church choir. She and a group of dear friends formed a group called "In Harmony". Singing gave her great joy. Frances was heavily involved with the Champ Assistant Dog Program where she tested and trained puppies to become helpers for a people with disabilities. Frances and her husband, Dale adopted 2 dogs that had failed due to hip issues, Scout and Ariel. After retiring from Boeing, Frances enjoyed watching birds, playing the piano, putting together puzzles and hiding important paperwork from her husband so that he had to clean certain areas of the house to "find" it. Dale would leave the room and she would always put it next to the phone on the counter, then act like she just found it.
Please take this time to remember the life of Frances with laughter, tears of joy and with the love in your heart.
Visitation is on Friday, January 30, 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Collier’s Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd (St. Ann). Family requests guests wear St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or Champ Assistant Dogs www.champdogs.org
No service due to Jefferson Barracks weekend regulations. Frances will be buried with her husband at Jefferson Barracks, section DD.
A celebration of life will held at a later date.
Read MoreI am so sorry to hear that Fran passed away. I went to Pattonville High School. I knew both Dale and Fran , they dated all thru high school. Such a sweet couple. Fran was always laughing and Dale was perfect for Fran. May God help you as you grieve the loss of a wonderful mother Until you meet again in Heaven.
Sue Hesse (neeWedemeier) Hesse
February 04, 2026 | Maryland Heights, MO | Friend
I'm so sorry to hear that Fran passed away! I only got to know her while she was a resident at The Boulevard. We placed my mom there, and she and Fran became fast friends. I would see them walking together and sitting together. I would find Fran hanging out in mom's room, too. My mom communicates by telling the same story on loop, and Fran never seemed to get upset by it. She would just look at me and smile, almost like she was trying to reassure me that it was ok. I always made sure I...
Lisa Broeker
January 30, 2026 | O'Fallon, MO | Friend
Fran was a supporting parent of the Fee Fee youth group. She was so much fun to be around. I enjoyed her humor and willingness to help. Chris and Amy you have an amazing mom. She will be missed.
Chris McCoskey
January 30, 2026 | SAINT ANN, MO | Friend
Fran is my cousin and really we were more like sisters. Fran's mom, Gladys, and my mom, Thelma, were sisters who were very close in age & love. Fran and I were also. At family gatherings we were a dynamic duo! One of my fondest memories is that I was always invited and often attended the Christmas dinner at Fran and Dale's. Time and distance do not break the bonds of love! Amy continues that love!
Sharon Strassburger
January 28, 2026 | Kirkwood, MO | Family
Remembered By
Sharon Strassburger
January 28, 2026 | Kirkwood, MO | Family
I really enjoyed singing in the alto section of the choir with Fran. She was fun to talk to and a good alto. I love Amy too .
Eva MacKoul
January 23, 2026 | Friend
