Frances Rosemary Lanning

Frances Rosemary Lanning 82, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away Monday, September 30,2024 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Frances Rosemary was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 2, 1942, to James and Veronica (Davis) Bensmiller. Fran was the third born of seven and the Bensmiller family would eventually settle in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Fran graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1960. Following graduation, she moved to Alaska where her sister, Mary and brother-in-law, Harry were stationed. She worked as a bank teller in Fort Greely, Alaska before returning to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she also worked as a teller. Her brother, Earl, who was employed by the telephone company, would introduce her to his coworker, Nile Lanning in 1967. Nile and Fran were married April 19, 1969. They lived in Des Moines, Guthrie Center, and Schleswig before settling in Nevada to raise their three children, Jason, Jennifer and Jacqueline. Fran stayed home to raise their children. When their youngest turned 14, she returned to work at the Story County Hospital and then the Nevada Community Schools where she would retire in 2002. After retirement, Fran enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending their sporting events, reading, and traveling with Nile. When traveling outside the state became difficult due to health issues, Nile would take Fran out every afternoon to cruise the countryside until his death in September 2023. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in April 2023.
Fran is survived by her children: Jason Lanning of Altoona, IA: Jennifer(Bob) Sloan of Kansas City, MO: Jackie(Brandon) Wilson of Colo, IA; 6 grandchildren Ella Lanning, Maya Lanning, Tag Farrar, Triffin Farrar, Keaton Fry, and Holden Fry; her sister Linda(Larry) Ridgway; brother Dale "Dick" Bensmiller; sister-in-law Ruth(Barry) Bensmiller-Reed; brother-in-law Denny(Nancy) Lanning, sister-in-law Vivian Gagen, and brother-in-law Terry Lanning; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nile; her parents; her sisters Carol and Mary; brothers Earl and Robert.
A private family service will held at a later date.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is caring for Frances and her family. Condolences may be shared with her family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.