Frances Jane Cornwell

Welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, Frances Jane Cornwell, age 92, of Clive, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at Woodlands Creek Senior Living.

Fran was born on March 27, 1933, in Stockton, California, the daughter of Stanley A. and Frances E. (Drake) Repp. Growing up, she lived in many towns and states, attending 14 different schools through 8th grade. A reflection of her adventurous spirit and resilience that would follow her throughout her life.

Fran married the love of her life Tom Cornwell in August of 1954. Together they shared a lifetime of faith, adventure, and service. She was a dedicated teacher, a mother to her two children Kathy and Jeff. Later , she pursued her passion for faith when she and Tom bought and operated a Christian bookstore in Atlantic, Iowa. Tom and Fran shared a passion for golf together, a common love that would be a part of their lives over the years. She was always active in both in Church and community. She and Tom were an integral part of the start of a church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Fran had a deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She loved sharing God’s Word and led countless Bible studies over the years, inspiring and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. Her faith guided every part of her life and was evident to all who knew her.

Fran was always on the move, living in various states and cities during her life. Tom and Fran spent nearly two decades living life on the road in their RV traveling 11 states while Tom worked as a salesman and Fran enjoyed a life of freedom, beauty and connection. Eventually, they settled down and made Bella Vista, Arkansas their home, where Fran and Tom lived on a golf course and enjoyed golfing together often. She served on numerous Church committees leading Bible Studies and always eager to lead, contribute, and bring people together.

Thirteen years ago, Tom and Fran moved to Woodlands Creek Senior Living in Clive, Iowa to be closer to family. They quickly became a part of that Community there and formed friendships and cherished the fellowship they found. Fran helped facilitate a Bible study in the Assisted Living Building where she lived up until the time she passed.

Fran will be remembered for her deep faith, her strength of character, and her boundless energy for life. She was strong-willed, determined, and a natural leader who excelled at everything she set her mind to.

One of the greatest joys of Fran's life was being a Grandma and Grandma Great and she leaves a legacy behind of love and memories to each one of them.

She is survived by her children: Kathy (Ken) Francis and Jeff (Cindy) Cornwell; grandchildren: Nicholas Francis, Danielle (Mike) Larson, Taylor Francis, Keith Cornwell, and Shannon (Tye) Haas; great-grandchildren: Lillian Erickson, Jackson Francis, Finley Haas, and Zoey Haas; as well as 3 nieces, and 2 nephews, and many dear friends who were like family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Frances Repp, and her best friend, her husband, Thomas Cornwell.

Fran's life was a beautiful testament to adventure, love, and unwavering faith—and she will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to thank Woodlands Creek Senior Living staff who took exceptional care of Fran. They would also like to thank Suncrest Hospice who walked with them through Fran’s journey home to heaven.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Dial4Seniors a non-profit organization that allows meaningful acts of kindness for seniors in need.

A celebration of Life will be held at Woodlands Creek Senior Living at 12675 Woodlands Parkway in Clive, Iowa on November 8th. The visitation with family present will begin at 2:00 PM with the Celebration of Life beginning at 3:00 PM. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the Celebration of Life

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com