Francia Claire Koehn

She is survived by her husband, William James Koehn, of Goodyear, AZ; daughter Cindy Dauterive (Don) of Sun City West, AZ; sons Bill Koehn (Lori) of Buckeye, AZ, and Jim Koehn (Jana) of Denver, CO; brother Ron Leeper of Winterset, IA; nine grandchildren, Megan Gray, Vanessa Dauterive, Chris Dauterive, Anthony Dauterive, Will Koehn, Eryn Koehn, Eliot Koehn, Jordan Koehn, and Maleah Koehn; and nine great-grandchildren, Eli Gray, Harper Gray, Valleri Koehn, William Koehn, Lisa Dauterive, Ryan Dauterive, Lori Dauterive, Teddy Dauterive, and Henry Dauterive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claire and Mertice Leeper.

Francia was named after an Italian opera singer, symbolic of things to come. A mezzo soprano with perfect pitch, her music career spanned marching band in high school, to a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Iowa, to a 40-year tenure as a soloist, and included contributions as an accomplished pianist, bell choir member, and beloved Kindermusik teacher and Treble Choir Director.

Francia met her high school sweetheart Bill her sophomore year at the Christmas dance. They married on September 6, 1957 and remained together for nearly 70 years. Their marriage was blessed even in the hardest of times. Together they had a beautiful family and traveled the world, from modest beginnings on an Iowa farm to Bahrain where Bill was stationed in 1959. She lived in Des Moines, Iowa for 40 years, Pacific City, Oregon for 15 years, and in Buckeye and Goodyear, Arizona for 9 years.

She was known for her patent grace and dignity. The soloist with perfect pitch and beautifully coiffed hair. The music teacher patiently guiding an energetic bunch of elementary schoolers through a concert, raising and lowering her hand with the notes. The beautiful hostess, able to entertain a mixed crowd with elegant centerpieces and impeccable dishes. The loving mother who always prepared her children’s favorite meals and special cakes on their birthdays. The grandmother who spent her summer vacations entertaining grandkids alone with hikes, lessons, and swimming in the days before screen time.

Her beautiful life was marked by loving service and generosity to children, family, and the community, and her impact will be felt for generations.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and we shall miss her greatly.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 18818 N 128th Ave, Sun City West, AZ 85375

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a contribution to Children’s International, reflecting Francia’s deep love for supporting children, or to the Desert Garden United Church of Christ Music Program, honoring her lifelong passion for music, singing, and teaching.