Frances Evon Palmer Laidlaw

Frances Evon Palmer Laidlaw, sweet wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, returned to her heavenly home on November 29, 2023. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by those who loved her.
Frances was born November 10, 1930, to Eliza Elizabeth Hancock and John LeRoy Palmer. She had 5 older siblings: Ruby, Rachel, Callis, Ivins and Spencer. After her parents divorced when she was 3 years old her mother married Capius Motes. He brought 3 children from a previous marriage and together they added two more children, Nathan, and Delmar Motes. It was a challenge to blend the two families, but Eliza, always the peacemaker, made it work!
The family moved to Thatcher, Arizona when Frances was 5, and Eliza, by her example, taught Frances the value of hard work. She had wonderful high school years and was involved in everything fun and happy. She sang in a trio that performed in many social events around town. She was Student Body President and on the cheerleading squad. She also attended junior college in the valley and was selected Graham County Cotton Queen! After 2 years she ventured out to Brigham Young University.
Starting at 16 years old, Frances would visit her sisters, Ruby, and Rachel, in San Gabriel California. When she first met Bob, he was riding a bicycle and she thought he was so cute with his big dimples. After three years of dating, they got engaged and on January 26, 1951, they were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple.
In 1952, Bob was drafted into the army where he served in Germany. Meanwhile, an expecting Frances went to live with her mother in Arizona. Jerry was born and Bob didn't see him till he was 14 months old, when Jerry came running to him and said, "Hi Daddy!" Franceen was born 2 years later, followed by Brent, and Laurie. The family lived in Monterey Park for a time, and settled into their home in Arcadia in 1969, where they have lived ever since.
Frances was always very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and she served in many callings. Her leadership abilities in the stake and wards touched so many lives. She was still teaching young girls and leading the music in her 80s!
Frances had a beautiful singing voice and music was always a special part of her life. She loved to sing in the choir and did so for many years. She had a strong love for the Savior, and a steadfast testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Frances was a wonderful, devoted, visiting teacher. Her life was one of kindness, charity, and compassionate service. She always found joy in sharing her love with everyone around her.
Her greatest loves were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her greatest desire was to provide a wonderful, happy home.
Frances was famous for baking her chocolate chip cookies and sharing her homemaking skills. Gardening and arranging beautiful roses and flowers brought her so much joy. She was beautiful inside and out and brought her beauty wherever she went. In an account of her life's history together, Frances shared part of her love story by saying, "If motorcycles and roses can mesh together and work - anything can!" Heaven has surely gained an angel.
Frances is predeceased by her parents Eliza Motes, John Palmer and Capius Motes. Sisters, Ruby Hooper (Leo), Rachel Richardson (Frank), and brothers Callis Palmer (Jean), Ivins Palmer (Barbara), Spencer Palmer (Shirley). Her grandson Brady Tolman and great-grandson Nash LeDuc.
She is survived by her husband Walter Robert Laidlaw, children Jarold Laidlaw (Diane), Franceen Tolman (John), Brent Laidlaw (Rebecca), Laurie LeDuc (James) and stepbrother Nathen Motes. She has 13 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 614 West Foothill Blvd Arcadia, CA 91006. The viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and service will start at 11:00 a.m.
The interment will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park - 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.
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