Frances Vawter

View Video Tribute Frances Vawter, 91, of Montrose, IA, formerly of Hamilton, IL, died Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. She was born April 13, 1920 in Marietta, IL the daughter of Chester and Ada Haigh Bartlett. On September 4, 1937 Frances was united in marriage to William Vawter in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on November 10, 1984. Frances had worked at Daylight Donuts in Keokuk, IA, Dadant's in Hamilton, IL, Methode Electronics in Carthage, IL and Montebello Gardens in Hamilton, IL. She was a member of the Hamilton BPW and attended the Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, IL. Frances loved the outdoors and spent as much time as she could camping, fishing, hunting and boating. She enjoyed working in her garden and creating floral arrangements. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She is survived by three daughters, Virginia Jean Norris and her husband Jim of Tennessee, IL, Wilma Lavina Vawter and her husband Tim Dooley of Woodson, IL and Diana Sue Griffiths of Hamilton, IL, one son James Arthur Vawter of Keokuk, IA, one adopted son, James Arthur Vawter, Jr. of Keokuk, IA, sixteen grandchildren, forty-four great- grandchildren, eleven great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Dorothy Snyder of Burnside, IL, Thelma Marie McCarty and her husband Mac of Staunton, IL and Faye Knapp and her husband Bob of Visalia, CA and nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Glen E. Bartlett and one sister, Ruth Mulvin. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2011 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Bill Willis officiating. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL. A memorial has been established.