Frances M Rounds

Frances “Fran” Rounds passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at home in Pueblo, Colorado after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Alfred Dale Rounds; children Karen Summers (Ben), Cathy Benedict (Patrick Schmidt), Scott Rounds (Carol); brother Keith Jochim (Patricia); grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Elbert and Helen Jochim, and sister Barbara Shirley.

Fran was born, educated, married and raised a family in Denver, Colorado. Before marrying, she attended Colorado State College of Education at Greeley (now University of Northern Colorado). At college, she made a life-long friend in her roommate, Barbara Brady (Barbara Wright George).

Working in bookkeeping and accounting throughout her life, Fran always managed to be available to support the children in all school and extracurricular activities. Before learning to drive in the 1960’s, she walked to school to participate as a Room Mother and volunteered as a field trip chaperone. After becoming a driver, she somehow made sure all the children and their friends were delivered to, and picked up from, school events and other activities. Together, Fran and Dale committed time and support to the sporting, musical and dramatic pursuits of their children. After the children were grown and away from home, they continued to be enthusiastic supporters of community events wherever they lived throughout their life together.

The family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in the mid-70’s for Dale’s work. They built their home north of town on acreage with a view of the Bookcliffs and became Mesa State College Mavericks supporters (now Colorado Mesa University). Working for many years in the Grand Junction area, they enjoyed Western Colorado living.

After retirement, she and Dale moved to be near family in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. They loved their home and the country around Lake LBJ. Cherishing their time with family, they also made many close friends in Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls and Austin.

Fran was an avid stamp collector, specializing in the US Commemorative Stamp category, and a genealogist. Detail oriented, she completed extensive research and documentation for all the branches of her family tree. An exceptional seamstress all her life, she sewed clothing for herself and family, created many, many Barbie outfits, and excelled at hand quilting.

Fran and Dale returned to Colorado in 2007, first living in Pueblo West near a daughter, then moving to Bonaventure Senior Living Pueblo Community in 2019.

The family is thankful for the care Fran received from Bonaventure staff, and the compassionate support and medical care received through CenterCare Hospice.

A life-long reader, Fran instilled a deep love of books and reading in all her children. The greatest gift she gave them is the understanding that reading opens a magic door through which we can look, see and learn about the world beyond ourselves.

The family is very grateful for our kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. She was dearly loved - and while living on in our hearts and memories, we grieve the loss of her humor and love in our everyday lives. She will be missed.