Frances Viola Vance

Frances Viola Vance of St. Helens, Oregon passed away on November 18 of 2012 surrounded by her family at Meadow Park Care Facility. She lived until the age of 93. Frances "Toss" Vance, was born in Ellensburg, Washington on January 9, 1919 to Herbert G. and Margaret Saunders. She was the fifth born of seven children. Her siblings, Bud, Bill, Helen, Em, and Margarette preceded her in death. Growing up in Lester, Washington, Frances was very active in high school; an honor student, ASB Officer, and Captain of her basketball team. She was also instrumental in raising and caring for her siblings. Frances won a prestigious journalistic contest sponsored by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and was one of 10 honor students from the state of Washington who traveled by train to Washington D.C. to attend the Inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Frances married Lt. Colonel Paul N. Vance on February 10, 1940 in Seattle at St Mark's Cathedral Rectory. Paul was stationed in Europe for 38 months, and came home after WW II ended. Frances lived and worked in Denver, Colorado. Reunited after the war, they moved to St. Helens, Oregon. Paul worked for the Fir Tex mill and was a Manager at Kaiser Gypsum. Frances worked for the local pharmacy for several years. Her home of 67 years, 215 River Street, on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River and Marina became her pride and joy. She spent countless hours tending to her yard and keeping a meticulous picturesque home. The St. Helens Garden Club recognized them several times for their magnificent floral yard. Frances and Paul were a permanent fixture on the Columbia River. Some of their fondest times together were on their boat for salmon and sturgeon fishing. They also could be spotted in their boathouse grilling their catch. They were married for 67 years until Paul's death in 2007. Frances and Paul were very charitable to many local northwest philanthropic organizations. Frances is survived by her sister Dorothy Purser and numerous nieces and nephews. Her intelligence, quick wit, and subtle elegance will be missed. Cryptside committal and entombment will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 20th at Columbia Gardens Mausoleum in Scappoose, Oregon.

Frances Viola Vance

January 9, 1919 - November 18, 2012