Frances Selvia Arness
July 8, 1931 - March 26, 2014
Obituary
Frances ARNESS
Frances left this life on March 26 at the age of 82. She was born July 8, 1931 in Decorah, Iowa to Alice Severide Folkedahl and Edward Folkedahl. She married Ray Arness in 1950 and moved to Seattle to settle and raise a family. He preceded her in death in 1984. Fran retired from Macy’s in 1993 and filled her life with cruises and road trips to many states. She began volunteering at age 70 at the Riverton Hospital gift shop, leaving only when her health began to fail. She loved to dance and play cards, and was known to visit a casino or two when the opportunity arose. In spring and summer, she could be found in her flower gardens, planting and weeding. She could always be counted on when a casserole or cake was needed for a friend in need. She is survived by her children: Barbara Campbell, Debbie Fetters, (John), Kristie Gai, (Don), and James (Joanne); a brother, Alert Folkedahl from Decorah, Iowa; a sister, Ione Wilkins of Des Moines, Iowa; ten grand-children, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her life was full and she was greatly loved and cherished by her family and many friends. She will be deeply missed. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday April 1st, 2014 at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16645 International Blvd, SeaTac. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice. 2901 Bridgeport Way, W, University Place, WA 98466. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
Dear Family of Frances Selvia Folkedahl Arness.
Sincere Sympathy in the passing of Franny. She is my First Cousin and my Mother was Thelma Folkedahl Thorson. My Mother and Franny were very close. Mom thought the world of her niece. Francis was Kind, so Sweet, and we all thought about her over the years. Last time I saw Francis when she was about 20 years old. So it was many years. We never forgot her. Just wish we could have seen her more often. Every year, we recieved Christmas Cards. We are thinking of your entire Family. Ione, Alert and all of Francis’s Family. May God Comfort you during your Beravement . With thoughts and Prayers from Janice .
Fran and I worked together at the Bon Marche Warehouse. She truly was a kind, sweet lady and always a pleasure to be around. Condolences to her family
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength in your time of sorrow.
I work at the Burien Community Center at the front desk. Fran came and played cards here for many years. Most of us up front knew her and just adored her. She was always so pleasant and charming. We let her know how much we appreciated her great attitude and wonderful smile. She would, in turn, compliment us. We defintiely had a mutual admiration society. She will be deeply missed by many of us connected to the senior program.
My thoughtsand prayers are with all of her family. May she be blessed in her new life.
To the family of Fran Arness,
Fran was a frequent participant at the Burien Senior Center. She could be found every Tuesday and Wednesday playing cards. Fran always had a smile and kind word for everyone she greeted. She will be greatly missed by the staff and other participants here. My peaceful thoughts and prayers to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Fran was a wonderful and caring person. Sorry I wont be at her service. She was always alot of fun wheh she came home to Decorah.
You are all in our prayers. Fran will greatly missed. We all looked forward to spending time with her and all of you. We have many wonderful memories. With deepest sympathy.
Dear Barb, Debbie, Kristie, Jim & Families,
You already know what an awesome person your Mom was! It’s comforting to read confirmation from others. Fran was one of the strongest women I have ever known. She didn’t complain or even acknowledge that she was in pain and one knew she was. She loved her family and was so proud of all of you. She was fun to be with and had a great sense of humor. She overcame many health obstacles that could have devastated a weaker person. She was a smart woman and looked at life realistically. She truly was a kind person and cared for others. She was a great dancer and it was fun to go to the club with her. When we played cards, she was good and usually won! The Iowa families loved her visits to Iowa and really enjoyed when some of you came with her. She will be greatly missed! Love and hugs, Auntie Ione
I met Fran in 1986. She was always the strong center of her family, and the family revolved around her. She was the best mother-in-law that any man could ask for. I will miss her wit, sense of humor, and guidance.
Dear Barb, Deb, Christi & Jim: We are so very sorry to hear that your Mom has passed away. I was your Dad’s cousin, and can remember some great times we all had together when we were younger. We saw your Mom about a year ago in So. Center one day, and then also at the Riverton Gift Shop. She always had a great smile and was a wonderful lady.
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. The past few days I have thought about all the fun memories shared with Fran and all of you! She will be missed by so many!
Love – Amy
My great grandma Fran was truely the strongest person I knew. Most people that knew her would agree. She took care of me for the first few months of my life. Well she honestly took care of everyone, she cared about everyone, always lending her ears to listen and her voice to give advice. She was the best grandmother I could ever ask for and I love and miss her so much.
Wishing you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Someone as special as Fran will never be forgotten. Fran will remain in our hearts forever. Love you Fran. Gina, Dailen & Kahler Folkedahl
I got to know Fran 4 years ago when she was hosting the Whist card games at the Burien Community Center. She brought joy to my day each time I saw her. Her bright smile, honesty, sense of humor and genuine warmth made her very special. I will miss her but promise to carry her sunshine in my heart.
To: The Arness Family.I am sorry for your lost.May your love for Frances and the memories she shared with you,may they bring you comfort to endure the days ahead.
To the Arness family, I am one of the daughters of the late Armanda Hill. My mom and Ms Fran was great friends and former coworkers at Macy’s. I would like to give you my sincere condolences to your family at this difficult time. I pray that God gives you the peace and comfort that you may need, You have my deepest symphony.
Thinking of everyone at this sad time. Glad we were able to spend some time with Fran in Seattle summer of 2012.
To the Family of Fran,
I worked with Fran for many years at Macy’s, she was always so sweet and kind and always had the nicest smile.
A pleasure to work with. Condolences to all the family!
FRANNIE ,was abeautful person,her warm smile ,and to her family,you all have our sympathy,wish i could have visited with her one more time, but the lord had other plan`s,GOD BLESS YOU ALL , you have our deepest sympathy
Prayers to everyone at this time of your loss. I so enjoyed the few times I met Franny, She was a beautiful lady..