Obituary of H. Frances Crooke

Frances was born in Huntington, Oregon in 1925 to Elmer and Hedrick Bell. Her father worked at a cement plant near there for many years. She graduated from Huntington high school and moved to Boise for employment, then to Pendleton where she was employed by the Oregon State Highway Department, then the Air Base there, where P-38 pilots were trained for duty in WWII. After a brief period in Washington, she moved to Whittier, Alaska where she was employed by the federal govt. at Prudhoe Bay. Her next assignment was in Mountain Home where she met Byron who had recently been honorably discharged from the US Army at the conclusion of the Korean War. The couple moved to Boise and Frances began a long and happy employment with the Department of the Interior, Job Corps in Marsing. There she believed in and contributed to the vocational and academic training of young people from throughout the country. Frances was a member and supporter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association. The couple eventually bought a home in Caldwell. Frances was a lifelong reader and tireless learner. She was a thinker rather than a believer. She did not suffer fools gladly as it is said, and had no patience for bad behavior, especially in politicians. Her blunt and droll sense of humor will be remembered by those who knew her. Rather than clubs or cruises, she enjoyed family, neighbors and gardening. Many friends and neighbors alike can attest to her talents with vegetables and flowers. She maintained close relationships with her four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Byron and Frances moved to Karcher and then Lenity Assisted Living and she passed at the age of 93 on December 24, 2018. She is survived by her husband Byron, one sister Georgie Bunch, of Tigard, Oregon and various nieces and nephews. At her request there will be no service to mark her passing. Donations may be made to N.A.R.F.E. or the labor union of your choice.