Frances Jean Prowse

Frances Jean Prowse, 80, a longtime Libby resident, died from natural causes on Feb. 12, 2009 at Libby Care Center.

She was born March 8, 1928 in Flint, Mich., to Richard and Violet (Killey) Beaver. She was raised and attended school in Flint.

She married Vern Straight and had one daughter, Verna Jean Straight. They moved to Irving, Texas, where she had a dress shop. After the death of her husband, she moved to California, where she met Robert C. Prowse. They married and later moved to Libby in 1978.

She and her husband were active members of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Masonic Lodge. She loved gardening, camping, fishing, swimming, darts , pool, bowling (she bowled on Granny & Grandpas League), dancing and playing cards with friends and family. She attended Libby Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Beaver; a brother, Melvin Haynes; a sister, Linda Warlick; and her mother, Violet (Killey) Beaver Story.

Survivors include her husband, Robert, of Libby; daughter, Verna and husband Jim Merceron of Pittsfield, Mass.; two grandsons, Joe and Tom and their families; three sisters, Rose Madore of Anaheim, Calif.; Gerry and husband Calvin St. Onge; and Carolyne and husband Ron Langley; one brother, Daniel R. Story – all of Libby; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion.