Frances Ruth Fly Mims

Frances Ruth Fly Mims, beloved mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, died at the age of 82 on Saturday, March 20, 2004. Born in Hondo, TX on May 24, 1921 to Orceneth Asbury and Willie Barton Fly, she attended Southwestern University where she received a degree in English Literature and met her husband of 57 years, Joe Milton Mims, M.D. She spent her life educating others both formally as a teacher and informally through her passion and sharing of knowledge, often recounting stories of her ancestors and of her rich family history. A noted and prolific artist, Frances spent the last 30 years of her life capturing the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, its wildflowers, historic missions, and the personalities of her precious grandchildren. Frances was also a talented musician who spent many happy hours playing piano with the Joe Mims Big Band. Her life was lived with a selfless, caring concern for others, and the image of that love is reflected in the hearts and faces of her family and friends. Her children and their families were the sources of great happiness and strength throughout her life. Through her artwork, her music, her laughter, her unquenchable optimism and most importantly, her loving manner, Frances brought to life the best and most beautiful of God's creations. We will carry her in our hearts and reflect upon her love each time we witness life's wonderment and beauty. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three siblings. She is survived by her six children, Susan E. Tipton and her husband Charles, Kathleen M. Akin, Joe M. Mims, Jr., J. Patrick Mims, DVM and his wife Christy, Peggy F. Mullins, Michael R. Mims and his wife Lynn, 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Hope House, A Home for Handicapped Children, P.O. Box 457, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on Monday, March 22, 2004. A Church Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at University United Methodist Church, 5084 DeZavala Road with Burial to be held at 2:00 P.M. at Oakwood Cemetery, Hondo, TX. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Vitas Hospice Hospital for their tender care of their mother in her last days. Mission Park Funeral Chapels North.