Mary Frances Briggs

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with services at 11 a.m. Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3076 
E 1/2 Road. Interment will be at Hay Springs Cemetery in Hay Springs, Nebraska

Mary Frances Briggs, 98, passed away April 20, 2015 at the Mesa Manor Care and Rehabilitation Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. Frances lived in her home until February of this year and was extremely proud of that accomplishment! Many thanks to everyone who helped Frances accomplish this great feat of independence including Jack and Zoa Taylor, Darrell and Sue Chapman, Debbie Kinard, plus countless others who gave their time and love to Frances.

Frances was born November 4, 1916, to Christine and George Russell near Trinidad, CO. Frances lived in eastern Colorado in the Branson/Kim area for most of her early years. She graduated from Kim High School and attended Trinidad State Jr. College. After marrying Merold Briggs, a farmer from Nebraska, Frances worked for Citizen’s Utilities until they sold the farm and moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where Frances worked and retired from the Mesa County Assessor’s office.

Frances and Merold embarked on numerous adventures including stints in Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, California, and Tennessee. Eventually, Frances and her loving husband Merold settled in Grand Junction to be near their great nephew Doug (Sandy) Thies where they spent many years enjoying family activities and holidays together.

Frances and Merold enjoyed traveling in their RV and camping. Frances also enjoyed gardening, needlework and reading.

Frances had many acquaintances and close relationships with neighbors and friends, many through her faith. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor and enjoyment of a good conversation.

Frances is survived by nephews Fred (Patty) Thies, and Gary (Maxine) Russell, great nephew Doug (Sandy) Thies, as well as many great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Frances in death was husband Merold in 2003, nephew Allan Thies in 2000, sister-in-law Opal in 2007 and her dear brother Mose in 2012.

Callahan-Edfast Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Services will be held Monday, April 27th, 2015 from 10am-12am noon at LDS 7th Ward Building, 3076 E ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO. Graveside services at the Hay Springs Cemetery in Hay Springs, Nebraska will be held later. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to their favorite charity in Frances’s name.