Born Frances Genser, November 3, 1927 in Joplin, Missouri, she was the fourth of eight children of Mathias and Helen (Easley) Genser. Married to William W. (Bill) Grigsby in 1949, in 1954 the couple moved with their first two sons to Kansas City and continued to raise their family. A devoted Catholic, she blessed her children with the gifts of compassion, spirituality, music, Nature and art. Always intellectually curious and bright, she loved to sing, entertain friends and was always gracious and soft-spoken, with a quit wit. She developed a long and close relationship with friend Ginny, the two often walking the paths of English Landing Park.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband Bill, after 61 years of marriage, as well as siblings Mary Benton, Margaret Schaeffer, Elizabeth Illidge and Edward Genser; in addition to 14 dogs (She was just wild about Harry), various chameleons and other assorted pets, resting in the Grigsby pet cemetery known as ‘The Happy Hunting Grounds’.
She is survived by sister Geneva Cusack, of Joplin, Ann Stults of Phoenix and Mathias Genser of Daniel Island, South Carolina. Also surviving are Fran and Bill’s five children and spouses: Jim Grigsby and Kathryn Kaye, Paul and Jody Grigsby, Ann and Mike Handelman, Jane and Tony Rivers and Bill and Maria Grigsby. Her seven grandchildren include Kate Grigsby (Nate Mender), John Grigsby, Sarah Handelman (Tom Loughlin), Paul Handelman, Esa, Giulia and Anna Grigsby and Natalie and Arianne Cordray, one great granddaughter, Ella (Mender); and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Fran’s last years were spent making new friendships and bonds at Stonecrest at Burlington Creek in Kansas City. She loved and was well-loved by the staff at Stonecrest, who were welcoming, loving and like part of the family from the day she arrived. The family extends their gratitude to everyone at Stonecrest and the staff at Crossroads Hospice for their love and support.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, July 26th at 9:30am at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Hwy 9, Kansas City, MO 64152 with a Rosary at 10:45 am; Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Crossroads Hospice, 14310 East 42 Street, Unit 600, Independence, Mo., 64055 or a Charity of Choice.
