January 20, 2020 at Twelfth Street Baptist Church. Miss Eachus, a precious saint of the Lord, went
to her home with Jesus on January 11, 2020. She was the fifth child born to the late Fred and Ida
(Deal) Eachus on April 14, 1927 in Brighton, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marion Kramer and Helen Bundy; brother, Fred Eachus,
Jr.; brothers-in-law, Marvin Kramer, Merrill Bundy, and Tommy Scott; missionary co-translator and
dear friend, Ruth Carlson.
Left to cherish her memories in Cheyenne, Wyoming are her sister, Margaret Scott; niece, Susan
Scott Plamondon; nephews, Stephen (Sarah) Scott, David (Julee) Kramer, and Lester (Sue) Bundy;
in Aurora, CO special friend/supporter Ron (Martha) Graham; along with numerous friends and
supporters locally and across North and Central America.
Francis May Eachus, an amazing saint of our Lord Jesus Christ, spent her life on the mission fields
in Mexico and Guatemala. Baptized at the age of twelve, Fran received a B.A. degree in business
education from the University of Northern Colorado. From there the Lord led her to attend Trinity
Seminary in Chicago, Illinois where she learned about the Wycliffe Bible Translators. As a WBT
translator Fran met Ruth Carlson and the two served in Chiapas, Mexico two years before being
requested to minister in Guatemala to the K’ekchi’ Indians. Fran and Ruth lived among the K’ekchi’,
learned their language, wrote an alphabet for their language, and taught the K’ekchi’ to read from
primers that they created themselves. Fran and Ruth then translated the New Testament into the
K’ekchi’ language followed by translation of the Old Testament. To this day a 100,000 K’etchi'
Bibles have been printed and distributed to the K’etchi' people providing them the opportunity to
read and cherish the word of God in their heart language.
After fifty-eight years of serving the K’ekchi’ of Guatemala Fran felt it best to return to the United
States at the age of eighty-six due to health issues. She chose to reside at Regency Pointe in
Rainbow City near friends who could help support her needs. This location was also in close
proximity to missionary comrades who had served in Guatemala with Fran and had retired to the
States including Mike (late) and Kay Owen, Jim and Carol McGriff, and Wendell (late) and Jane
Parker. Dear comrades who also identified with the struggles Fran faced leaving the home she
loved in Guatemala to a “home” that was now strange to her. While at Regency Point Fran found
happiness making new friends, receiving visits from her family and friends, and being visited by
those in her large missionary network across North and Central America.
Fran continued to work vigorously on K’ekchi’ translation work for missionaries still in the fields of
Guatemala and Belize until the age of ninety-one when she lost her eyesight. She even did some
K’ekchi’ translating for the US Government.
After her return to the United States Fran was a faithful member of Hopkins Chapel, a mission
church of Twelfth Street Baptist Church, and regularly attended the children’s mission program at
Twelfth Street Baptist. Fran’s personal mission story was graciously shared with many churches as
well as with the Blind and Low Vision Support Group which she attended after losing her sight.
Fran’s story was best explained in her autobiography A Cup of Good Water.
Fran’s last year was quite a challenge for her. Special thanks to Compassionate Comforters for
providing exceptional care and friendship during this trying time, especially to caretakers Mary
Wyatt, Lisa Naylor, Rosie Bellew, and Kasey Usry. Much appreciation also to Encompass Hospice
and Dr. Debra Reiland. Also a special thanks to Dr. Linda Jones and caregiver, Elizabeth Gibbs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Twelfth Street Baptist Church Building Fund or
Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Francis May Eachus was a mighty, awesome saint whose tenacious spirit blazed a trail for the
K’ekchi’ of Guatemala to know Jesus in a deep and meaningful way. She will celebrate in heaven
with many who are present due to her love and commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Fran’s mark on earth will last throughout eternity; her life was an inspiration to all!
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