Frances Barker Barker Klaes

Mrs. Frances Barker Klaes went to be with the Lord Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the age of 85. Frances was preceded in death by her husband James G. Klaes Jr., her sister Ruth Richardson and her brother Frank Barker. Frances is survived by her brother and his wife, John and Jean Barker; sister-in-law Eileen Barker; son, James Graham Klaes III; daughter, Eugenia Klaes Karam and her husband, Charles Ferris Karam; daughter-in-law Gerrie Klaes; her grandchildren, Ian and wife, Lisa Klaes; Brian and wife, Christina Klaes; Evan Karam and James Karam; Chuck and wife Kim Karam; and Dean and wife, Carla Karam. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Garrett and Abigail Klaes, Dominic and Isaac Perez, Devin and Avery Klaes, Baron and Corbin Karam, and Calley Karam.Both Jim and Frances grew up, met and fell in love in Mt. Vernon, New York. They moved to El Paso with their children from Ft. Bragg, North Carolina in 1958. They loved El Paso and decided to stay. Jim retired from Ft. Bliss after 20 years and continued serving as Deputy Director of the Air Defense School at Ft. Bliss for another 30 years. Shortly after arriving in El Paso Frances went to work for Empire Bottling Company. She had convinced the owner she knew how to keep books. She learned quickly, and went on to become the credit manager of Charlottes Furniture Store. From there she joined Main, Lefrentz Co. and managed many large accounts including the Gas Co. One of the officers at the El Paso National Bank (now Chase) persuaded her to go to work for them. She started as credit analyst then became Assistant Vice President and Credit Manager and personal accountant for Sam Young. In 1976 she became a partner in the Rosen, Payne & Klaes Accounting firm. Frances received her accounting education at UTEP and became a practicing CPA in 1966. She was one of the first women CPAs to be certified, and one of the first women bank officers. She became something of a banking phenomenon and was honored by her banking colleagues who elected her the first woman director of the Texas Chapter of the Robert Morris Associates, an arm of the National Association of Bank Loan and Credit officers. They had to change their bylaws allowing a woman into this prestigious organization. She never set out to become such a role model for her family, let alone overcoming so many barriers in the business world at that time. She just wanted a better life for her family. We are so very proud of all of her accomplishments, but especially for what she did for us. She was a little lady with a BIG heart, mind, spirit and smile! Mom, Nana, you will be sorely missed but we know you are happy with Dad now. We will do our best to keep your caring, loving, strong spirit alive in generations to come..Our family is extremely grateful for the care Frances received from Caring Senior Services. Our family would like to invite you to attend the visitation in her honor on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 6:00 PM and service at 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home West. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 1:30 PM. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James G. Klaes III, Ferris Karam, Ian Klaes, Brian Klaes, Evan Karam, and James Karam. Services are entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, Texas.79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com