Frances Rhodes Shiflett

1923 - 2018

Frances Rhodes Shiflett, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 26, 2018. She was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Dec. 15, 1923, to Ernest Ralph Rhodes and Myrtle Dovel, a union of pioneer families that had settled in the Shenandoah Valley in the 1740's. Frances is survived by her son, Stephen Shiflett of Carmichael, California and her daughter, Teresa Lindsey (Jim) of Washoe Valley, Nevada. She is also survived by her Charlottesville area nieces, Brenda Bevilacqua, Jean Birckhead, Judy Coleman, Catherine Garrahan, Nancy (Tim) Morris, Antoinette (Lee) Roades-Scouten, Debbie Young and nephew Ronnie Rhodes. Frances was preceded in death by Arthur Shiflett, her beloved husband of 61 years. She was also preceded in death by her six siblings, sisters, Jane Christian and Eleanor Wellons, and brothers, William, Clarence, Richard, and Henry. In 1943, she married her childhood sweetheart, Lt. Arthur Forest Shiflett. Frances became a devoted military wife during his Air Force career, raising their two children during tours when he served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She made friends easily and was a popular member of Officer Wives Clubs, serving as president of the one at Mather AFB. California. She was an excellent homemaker and unsurpassed as a loving wife and mother. After Arthur's retirement in 1968, they settled in the Sierra Oaks neighborhood of Sacramento, California. Although she left Virginia in her twenties, Frances never lost her delightful Southern accent which always charmed people she met. Frances loved to travel in both the United States and Europe, but her favorite place was Paris, France. She loved being with family and friends. Her son said simply "to know her, was to love her." Frances never lost her mental acuity and was managing her household affairs up until her death. Her son observed "she had the mind of a 30 year old trapped in a 94 year old body." Special thanks to Kim Jackson, her caregiver of nearly four years, who provided loving and devoted assistance to her after advanced age limited her activities. Gratitude is also extended to the staff at Eskaton Care Center in Fair Oaks, California for its dedicated and professional care during her last week of life. Private services were held at Monticello Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to her family at www.hillandwood.com