Frances Annette Busch

Frances was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Starr. She is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Stanley William Busch; their children Thomas William and Mona Busch, and Carolyn and Tom Kragt; grandchildren Tim and Tricia Kragt, Beth Myers, Becca and Andrew DeBruyn, Katie Busch, and Margaret and Michael Boivin; five great-grandchildren; brother, Melvin Starr and his wife, Susan; as well as six nieces and one nephew.

Frances graduated from Spring Arbor High School in Spring Arbor, Michigan, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois. She later completed her master’s degree at Western Michigan University. She dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a high school mathematics teacher—most notably at Delton Kellogg High School, where she spent the majority of her career shaping young minds.

After retirement, Frances and Stan moved to North Carolina, where she answered a new calling. She became an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church and pastored the Murphy Free Methodist Church for eight years. Throughout her life, Frances used her many gifts to serve the Lord. She played both piano and organ, directed church choirs, and poured her heart into ministry.

Her love for missions and travel took her far beyond home. In the summer of 1972, Frances and her family spent six weeks in England assisting three newly established Free Methodist Churches with children’s Bible schools. Later, she and Stan traveled to Malawi, where she taught an intensive Bible class to pastors and seminary students. Travel became a cherished part of their life together—returning to England 16 times, visiting nearly every state, exploring many countries, and especially enjoying cruises. Eventually, she gathered her memories into a book titled, "It’s Been a Great Trip!"

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at Evergreen Ministries, 4512 48th St., Hudsonville, MI 49426, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served. Interment will take place 2:30 p.m. at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland, Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.