Ella Frances Furney

Ella Frances Moon Furney, 78, of Midland, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012 in Crowley, Texas. Mrs. Furney was born September 25, 1933 in Jacksonville, Texas and lived in many Texas small towns before attending college. After graduating from high school in Hemphill, Texas, she attended Lon Morris Junior College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sam Houston State University, then in 1954 graduated with a B. S. in English and education from Southwestern University as a member of Alpha Chi. Graduate classes were taken at Southwestern University, Sul Ross, and East Texas State University. She and her husband both graduated with their Masters in Education in 1971. She married Leonard Earl Furney on August 24, 1956. He had been in the U. S. Navy for 10 years serving during WWII and the Korean Conflict. They had two daughters, Dorilea and Dorothy, born in Fort Worth in 1957 and 1958. A son, Leonard Earl (Len) Furney, Jr., was also born in Midland, TX in 1967. They moved to Midland to teach in 1962.
Mrs. Furney retired from teaching in 1992. She taught for 37 years – three years in Grand Prairie, four years in Fort Worth, and 30 years in Midland. During her years of teaching in Midland, Frances was awarded three merit awards and two life memberships in P. T. A. She also became listed in Who's Who in American Education. Frances was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Midland Society of University Women, Midland Geological Society, Midland Retired Teachers Association, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, National Education Association, Midland Women's Club, and Kappa Kappa Lota. She was also a former member of Texas State Teachers Association. Breeding and showing Miniature Pinschers became her prime interest upon retirement. She believed them to be the best guard dogs, and also the smartest and most lovable companion pets.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Earl Furney on September 27, 1996.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Leonard (Len) Earl Furney Jr. in 1990, her sisters, Dora Pauline Moon Bunton and Lillie Ruth Moon Beyer Ross, and a brother, James Davis Marion Moon.
Frances is survived by two daughters, Dorilea Deann Furney Lynch Phillips and Dorothy Lynn Furney James Watkins; five grandchildren, Samuel William Lynch, Patience Kristina Phillips Prickett, Jacob Lee James, Sarah Danielle James Carlson, and Amanda Renea James, one great granddaughter, four great grandsons, Gage Ryan Carlson, born August 6, 2006; and a great granddaughter expected.
Family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, April 27, 2012. A funeral service is planned for Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1:00pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Entombment will take place in the Eternal Light Mausoleum at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.