Frances Evelyn Del Ponte

A celebration of life and funeral service will be held Thursday, February 21, 2019 in the Dixon Chapel at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 E. Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. A slide show of Fran’s life begins at 10 a.m., the service at 10:30 with a reception following in the Orchard Room.

Frances Evelyn Baker was born December 27, 1938 at the family home in Denver. Shortly after her family moved to Littleton where she spent the rest of her life. As a child Fran learned to play the accordion, a skill she maintained for the rest of her life. To the delight of her family she would play Silent Night every Christmas for them.

During her school years, Fran was an outgoing, gregarious and smart student. While attending Littleton High School she enjoyed participating in school dances, Pep Club, student council and cheerleading all while maintaining high honors and earning a college scholarship when she graduated in 1957.

Fran met her future husband, Jim Del Ponte, while in the 5th grade. They began dating during their junior year and soon after graduation she married Jim on Aug. 9, 1957. They spent the next 62 years together, celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2017.

Fran was dedicated to the Lord and had an everlasting faith that resonated with everyone who knew her. She and Jim have been members of Cherry Hills Community Church from its beginnings in 1982. She was involved with the MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) program and was honored recently for her numerous contributions to that program serving as a mentor, speaker and phenomenal supporter.

Fran and Jim raised five children at their home in Littleton. Fran was a loving mother to each and in later years to a large extended family that included eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Fran loved and doted on them all. She was never at a loss to brag about, encourage or support them. She was always sharing her love and faith with them.

Fran was office manager for all 42 years of the family business, Del Ponte Landscaping Company. She was also a certified graphoanalyst, teaching classes, talking at schools and testifying in court cases with her expertise. In addition, she earned associate degrees in Interior Design and Early Childhood Development.

While she loved to get out and go places with Jim, she was not the easiest of passengers often praying for God to provide safe places and spaces as she asked Jimmie to slow down!

Fran and Jim enjoyed traveling together and with their family. In retirement they enjoyed trips to Germany, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii and a special trip to Israel in 2014. Fran and Jim spent two weeks exploring the region where Jesus walked and where they heightened their already strong faith.

With her outgoing personality and strong faith in God, Fran had many friends. She was an eternal optimist with one of the most positive outlooks on life. Family and friends will forever miss her joyful Christian centered spirit.

Fran is survived by husband Jim, son Reggie (Michelle) of Newport Beach, CA, daughters Tina (Brian) of Centennial, CO, Renie (Angie) of Denver, CO, Amy of Centennial, CO and Denice (Mike) of Palm Coast, FL. In addition, she is survived by sisters Joan (Don) Chambers of Highlands Ranch, CO, Judy (Gerry) Russell of Littleton, CO and Carrie (Stan) Campbell of Littleton, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clara and Joseph Baker and brothers Joe and Ken.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Fran’s name to:

MOPS International

2370 S. Trenton Way

Denver, CO 80203-3882

Or donate online at https://mops.givingfuel.com/in-memory-of-fran