Frances Lee Sweitzer

Frances Lee Sweitzer (née Jones) was born in Coos Bay, Oregon, on December 19, 1949. She was the daughter of Lewis Jones and Fannie Mae Jones (née Chatfield), who both preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Juanita Young (née Jones).

Fran spent her early childhood on the Oregon Coast, where her father worked as a logger and tree trimmer. She enjoyed picnicking by the ocean until the age of three, when the family moved to Springfield, Oregon. In 1956, they relocated to the Bellingham area, where Fran developed a lifelong love for horses and her Siberian husky, Kersan.

She attended Birchwood Elementary School through third grade, then Geneva Elementary through sixth. At age nine, Fran got her first horse, Copperstar, and cherished every moment with her-often riding with her younger sister Juanita behind her.

Later, the family moved to a farm next door to Frank and Trunyan Sweitzer. Fran attended Central Middle School, joined 4-H, and began showing her young Arabian horse, Prince. She and Prince earned many ribbons in trail and rodeo events, with barrel racing becoming a favorite passion.

During her freshman year of high school, her family purchased a 40-acre farm near Custer, Washington, where she continued to win many ribbons with Prince.

Fran graduated from Ferndale High School in June 1967. That same summer, on July 15, she married Edward Sweitzer at the Custer Methodist Church. Together, they farmed dairy and later beef cattle throughout their marriage. The couple also owned a trucking company, where Fran proudly drove her favorite truck, "Baby Mack."

Throughout her life, Fran worked many jobs including waitressing at the Country Kitchen, sewing school bags for International Athletics and most recently, she worked several seasons as a tax preparer at H&R Block in Ferndale.

Fran loved reading, watching sci-fi movies, dining out, and-most of all-spending time with friends and family. She delighted in being a grandmother and loved to spoil her grandchildren (and beloved pets) with treats! Trips to the coffee stand for a "goodie" and hot chocolate were common, as were visits to the toy section at Laurel Farm and Garden for toy tractors and horses.

She also had a talent for crochet, gifting hand-made scarves, table runners, stuffed animals, and sweaters to her children and grandchildren over the years.

Survived By:

Fran is lovingly remembered by:

• Her husband, Edward F. Sweitzer

• Her sons: Eddie (Kerry) Sweitzer and Loren (Jodi) Sweitzer

• Her grandchildren: Zachary (Rani), Avery, and Natalie Sweitzer

• Her great-granddaughter: Angelee Sweitzer

In Memory

No public services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are appreciated.