Frances Hegele Bosley

Frances "Francie" Hegele Bosley, a long-term resident of Boulder, Colorado was called Home Wednesday, October 6th. Steve and all their five children were with her during her last day. She was just three days shy of her 80th birthday. Fortunately, the family proceeded with an early birthday celebration just prior to her passing with balloons, flowers, decorations, and a round of "Happy Birthday".

The oldest of four children, Francie was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Grant High School in 1959. She then attended Oregon State University where she was a member of the Phi Beta Phi sorority. Francie transferred to Portland State College (now Portland State University) graduating in 1962 with a degree in Elementary Education. Following college, she taught 6th grade math at Hosford School in Portland. At Little Laramie Valley View, a country school near Laramie, Wyoming she had 4th through 6th grades. She finished her formal teaching at Mountain View School in Aurora, Colorado.

Francie and Steve Bosley were married August 1964. After teaching, she chose to stay at home to care and raise her five children who gave her life comfort and joy. Family life was critically important to Francie and Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations were always filled with plenty of games, food, and heartfelt gifts.

Francie's most visible contribution to the BOLDERBoulder was starting the walking division in 1984 so that her father, the late Ted Johnson, could participate and finish. He was battling cancer and was nearly unable to walk the course, even after starting well in advance of the rest of the field. Her father did finish, and thus were born the BOLDERBoulder walking waves.

The family had many notable adventures including cross country road trips to the Pacific Northwest where campfires, clam digging, blueberry picking, listening to Dan Fogelberg, America and KC and the Sunshine band created fun memories. Annual summer trips to Lake Powell were always a highlight with lots of family and friends enjoying houseboating, water skiing, hiking, and exploring. Always up for a card game, she enjoyed weekly bridge and bunko games with friends that spanned more than 45 years.

Francie's love of travel took her to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Canada and throughout the United States.

Francie went on overseas missions' trips serving our Lord and Savior with members of her church, Rocky Mountain Christian Church.

Francie served on the Board of Directors for Mother House in Boulder, Colorado, the Chautauqua Board and a member of the local chapter of P.E.O. She was an active supporter of many GOP candidates and the Republican party for over 60 years. Her other volunteer service was assisting cancer patients and their families at Boulder Community Health.

After her kids were older, she obtained a Real Estate Brokers License working part-time selling real estate for many years. She actively assisted each of her children with the purchase of their first homes.

She is survived by her sons Cliff (Liz) Bosley, Longmont, Steve (Julie) Bosley, Huntersville, North Carolina, Ted Bosley, Phoenix, Arizona; daughters Elizabeth (Doug) Allen, Indianapolis, Indiana, CeCe Welch, Moab, Utah; Steve Bosley of Longmont, Colorado; sister Jill (Eric) Johnson-Huget and brother Charles Johnson both of Portland, Oregon. Also, by twelve grandchildren, Robert Allen, Alice Bosley, Blake Bosley, Samantha Allen, Holly Bosley, Jack Bosley, Ross Bosley, Kate Bosley, Bella Welch, Ruby Welch, Lotus Welch, and Beatrix Welch. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fran and Ted Johnson; sister, Nancy Johns, all of Portland, Oregon and grandchild, Aaron Welch of Moab, Utah.

The family celebrated her life with a private burial.

In Francie's honor, memorial contributions may be made in support of mission work to Rocky Mountain Christian Church (put IMPACT in the memo line) at: 9447 Niwot Rd, Niwot, CO 80503.

Memories and condolences can be shared at howemortuary.com