Frances Stalder

Frances Elizabeth Bancroft Stalder was born September 16, 1920. She grew up in Hebron, Nebraska with her father, JR, a small town doctor; mother, Lillian, a homemaker; brother Raymond; sister Lorene; and a beloved dog, Terry. Her father believed in education and insisted she have a college education. Frances graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and then Bryan Nursing school. After graduation, Frances and a college friend, Phyllis, went to work in a hospital in Seattle, Washington. While there she was introduced by a relative to a Nebraska boy, William Stalder. They fell in love, returned to Nebraska and were married in Omaha, Nebraska in August 1947. After living a short time in Iowa the couple spent most of their married life in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Borger, Texas. They raised four children and were involved in their kids’ activities, stressing the importance of family, church, and education. Wherever she lived, Frances was always a member of a Methodist church and raised her family to be part of the church. She was most recently a member of New World United Methodist church in Arlington, TX. Frances was also a devoted member of P.E,O., a sistgerhood that supports women and education for women. She served this organization for over 60 years and was a charter member and past president of a chapter in Bartlesville. The heritage of P.E.O. is important with her family; her mother, three daughters, and three granddaughters are P.E.O. members as well. There was nothing Frances liked better than to have her family together. She loved to plan and prepare wonderful meals for the family to share. She also loved to play games and cards with her family. When she would visit her grandchildren, they would greet her at the door with a board game to play. As the grandchildren grew up, many family dinners would be followed by a game of dominos or Skip-Bo. Frances lost her beloved husband of 62 years in June 2010. Her health declined after his death. The family fondly remembers celebrating Frances’ 90th birthday this past September in Dallas. She is survived by her four children, three daughters and a son. Kathie & Floyd Andrews, Barbara & Tom Cornell, Janet & Ron Welch, Jim & Carolyn Stalder. She is also survived by ten grandchildren (John, James, Richard & Sarah Andrews; Jennifer Stone; Lori & Luke Welch; Charlie, Billy & Joseph Stalder. and three great-grandchildren (Katherine Andrews, Lilly and Kelsey Andrews). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Audrey Stalder, brother-in-law John & Marilyn Stalder, and many other loving family members and friends. A funeral service and interment will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday February 19 at 1 pm at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.