Frances M. Stewart

Frances Marie Stewart, 90, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Gilby, ND passed away on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks. 

She was born in Wahpeton, ND, delivered by her grandmother/ midwife on July 8th, 1934, to Lloyd and Elsie Keech. Frances attended school grades 1-12 in Wahpeton, ND and then fulfilled her dream to become a registered nurse by attending St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Fargo, ND.

She met Bill at a church activity at Foss Methodist Church in Wahpeton when she was 17. Their love grew and after she graduated from nursing school, they married on September 24th, 1955, in that same church.

During her career she worked at; St. Michael’s Hospital, the Orthopedic Clinic in Grand Forks and spent 23 years working as a registered nurse at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She took on an additional role while managing the family practice clinic, Health Promotion Coordinator. She enjoyed educating and promoting healthy life choices. 

One of two nurses in Gilby, she often served as a nurse helpline for the community; giving advice when solicited, gave allergy shots and however else she could help out.

The fight against cancer was close to her heart as she lost a sister to breast cancer, and she was a cancer survivor. She served as Chairwoman for the American Cancer Society Daffodils Days for many years, raising funds for cancer research.

Frances was very involved with her church, Gilby First Presbyterian; being an elder, served other roles and choir member.

She had many hobbies and interests; playing bridge, knitting, baking, gardening, reading, square dancing and socializing with people she knew and those she didn’t. Anyone who knew Frances knew that she would speak her mind. She was always an advocate for women; to use their voice, be heard and valued, during a time that it was viewed as being aggressive or “bossy”. 

She provided a foundation and instilled a character of strength and truth that shaped her family. 

Frances was preceded in death by; her husband, Bill, parents Lloyd and Elsie Keech, sisters; Kay Thomson and Fay Woy, brother, DeLos Keech.

 She is survived by a son, Lee (Annette), daughter, Lynn (Carol) , grandchildren, Nathan Bellinger (Rose/great granddaughter), Andrea Trevisan ( Matt), brother, Gerry Keech (Rita), brother-in-law, Jim Stewart. 

 In lieu of flowers/gifts, the family requests that any donations in memory of our mother go to: Gilby Presbyterian Church, 125 3rd St. , Gilby, ND 58235 or the American Cancer Society.

 Memorial Services will be  11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.  Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery, Gilby, North Dakota.