Frances Ruth Emerson, 87, of Big Spring passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.
She was born December 8, 1932 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Gilbert and Ruth Barnett Livermore, and married LeNier “Lee” Emerson June 14, 1957 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He preceded her in death March 24, 2017.
Fran was born in Oskaloosa Iowa Dec. 8, 1932. Her parents were Dr. Gilbert Francis Livermore, and Ruth Barnett Livermore. She attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa for a year and transferred to the State University of Iowa as it was known then. She graduated with a degree in Education and Speech Therapy. While there Fran was active in numerous Civic groups as well as the Wesley Foundation, where she met her future husband LeNier R Emerson. They were married June 14, 1957. They welcomed their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Emerson Kleid, in Dec.1962, and son Gilbert LeNier Emerson in April 1965.
Fran taught and provided speech therapy to children in Iowa, Ohio, Illinois and Texas for approximately 40 years. She played the piano, violin and guitar. Her hobbies included crocheting, buying yarn, and collecting recipes from magazines. Lee and Fran were also introduced to a domino game called Mexican Train and were hooked ever since.
Upon retirement Fran and Lee were involved in many organizations. Keep Big Spring Beautiful, Friends of the Library, Symphony Guild, Heritage Museum of Big Spring, and were members of the United Methodist Church. They both were passionate about volunteering and community service. Lee was a long time member of the Rotary group and both were involved in several years of Walk to Emmaus. They also enjoyed taking Road Trips across Texas, and to Illinois and Wisconsin. They cherished the time they spent with their grandchildren Kala and Jamie Anna’s daughters, and Cory and Lea, Gilbert’s son and daughter.
Lee and Fran were dedicated to improving the lives of others. Their faith and belief in Christ always guided them throughout life. They believed that by giving their time, service and gifts, they were following God’s teachings.
We are joyful that they are together again, and celebrate what they have taught us.
Survivors include her daughter, Anna Kleid of Kenosha, Wisconsin; her son, Gilbert Emerson of Jacksonville, Florida; two grandchildren, Kala Kleid and Jamie Kleid; and nephews and their families
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Mary Ann Walters.
The family suggests memorials to Big Spring Symphony Guild, or United Methodist Music Dept
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com
