Frances' parents were James N. and Virginia (Bell) Bradley. She was raised on the family farm just east of Rich Hill, Missouri. She had two older brothers, James N. Bradley and David D. Bradley. Both survive her.
Her early years revolved around farm life, 4H and the fun of all the Bell and Bradley first cousins.
Frances graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1962. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, where she made friends that lasted her lifetime. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia. After college, she worked for the Mental Health Association in New York City. In 1981, she returned to Missouri doing similar work at the state level in Jefferson City.
It was her association with the Methodist Church in Jefferson City that inspired her to attend St. Paul's Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. While attending seminary she pastored at Methodist churches in Rockville and Schell City.
Frances' first charge was a group of rural churches in the Kirksville area. On April 27, 1997, she suffered a brain aneurysm while in a church meeting. This ended her career as a Methodist pastor. But she still had many lessons to teach.
Frances was a social person. She had to know everybody in the room. She loved a spirited political debate. She was a Democrat. Bet she was respectful of others with different viewpoints.
Frances had a quick wit. She described Coors Light beer as "the best well water I ever tasted." After her aneurysm, while on a car ride and passing a cemetery, Frances was asked what inscription she would like on her tombstone. A short pause and she said, "Up to now, everything was going pretty good."
Frances' last words were to tease her brother about his bald head. She died minutes later.
Frances Bradley was a piece of work, God's work. Sometimes, we learn from a person who is not trying to teach us.
Frances will be remembered by her brothers, sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews for her love, wit and unstinting support. The world was a better place with her in it. It is a better place for her having been in it.
A Celebration of Life Service will b held Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 am at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill with burial at a later date in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. The family suggest memorial contributions to the Rich Hill Methodist Church in care of Heuser Funeral Home, 320 E. Walnut, Rich Hill, Missouri 64779.
Her early years revolved around farm life, 4H and the fun of all the Bell and Bradley first cousins.
Frances graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1962. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, where she made friends that lasted her lifetime. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri, Columbia. After college, she worked for the Mental Health Association in New York City. In 1981, she returned to Missouri doing similar work at the state level in Jefferson City.
It was her association with the Methodist Church in Jefferson City that inspired her to attend St. Paul's Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. While attending seminary she pastored at Methodist churches in Rockville and Schell City.
Frances' first charge was a group of rural churches in the Kirksville area. On April 27, 1997, she suffered a brain aneurysm while in a church meeting. This ended her career as a Methodist pastor. But she still had many lessons to teach.
Frances was a social person. She had to know everybody in the room. She loved a spirited political debate. She was a Democrat. Bet she was respectful of others with different viewpoints.
Frances had a quick wit. She described Coors Light beer as "the best well water I ever tasted." After her aneurysm, while on a car ride and passing a cemetery, Frances was asked what inscription she would like on her tombstone. A short pause and she said, "Up to now, everything was going pretty good."
Frances' last words were to tease her brother about his bald head. She died minutes later.
Frances Bradley was a piece of work, God's work. Sometimes, we learn from a person who is not trying to teach us.
Frances will be remembered by her brothers, sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews for her love, wit and unstinting support. The world was a better place with her in it. It is a better place for her having been in it.
A Celebration of Life Service will b held Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 am at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill with burial at a later date in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. The family suggest memorial contributions to the Rich Hill Methodist Church in care of Heuser Funeral Home, 320 E. Walnut, Rich Hill, Missouri 64779.
