Francie Marie Carpenter

1943 - 2025

Francie Marie Carpenter joined her beloved husband of 40 years on September 3, 2025, under the compassionate care of Heritage Hospice at Quail Ridge Assisted Living Facility. Born on November 2, 1943, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Bud and Dolly Lotz, Francie grew up with strong family roots, despite being an only child with a zest for life. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Pocatello High School, where she discovered her passion for tennis.

Francie attended Carroll College for a time. She eventually crossed paths with a former classmate, Don Sparrow, years later in Denver, Colorado, and in 1968 they married. Together, they welcomed their cherished daughter, Dawn Sparrow-Clark, in 1972. Francie spent time in Denver and later in Florida before eventually returning home to Pocatello with Dawn in 1975, where she planted her roots for the rest of her life.

Following in her father's footsteps, Francie began a career with the railroad, working in a variety of roles for the next decade. In 1987, she embarked on a new chapter as an analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This role took her across the country, and she often found herself on the front lines of history, working through national events and crises while gathering critical information. She carried a quiet pride in her work, knowing she had made a difference.

In 1976, Francie was introduced on a blind date to the man who would become the love of her life, Bob Carpenter. After seven years of courtship (in which Bob kept her waiting), they married on May 15, 1982, eloping in Reno, Nevada. Together, Francie and Bob shared countless adventures, camping trips, and simple joys. Francie often said her favorite memories were of quiet mornings spent drinking coffee with Bob, a ritual they shared for nearly five decades.

In retirement, Francie embraced her most treasured role of being a grandmother. She was a constant presence in her granddaughter's life, ensuring she never had to ride the bus by driving her to and from school each day. She attended every event, supported every milestone, and even joined in the games, once breaking her arm while playing Ring Around the Rosie.

Francie was a woman of extraordinary kindness, compassion, and grace. She had a gift for listening and was endlessly curious about others and their families, their stories, and their lives. Whether she knew someone for years or only a few minutes, she left a mark of warmth and thoughtfulness that lingered long after. She was a steady, gentle presence who reminded those around her of the beauty of small moments, unconditional love, and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Carpenter, and her parents, Bud and Dolly Lotz. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Sparrow-Clark (Dale), and her granddaughter, Hannah Warner (Triston).

A funeral service will be held on Friday September 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Manning Wheatley Funeral Home, followed by committal services at Mountain View Cemetery, with Father Emil Parafiniuk officiating.

Dawn and Hannah would like to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at Quail Ridge Assisted Living Facility and Heritage Home Health & Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Francie.

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