Frances Valaria Wadley

Frances Valaria Wadley (née Rude) passed away peacefully on January 11, 2018, at the age of 96. Frances was born in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, on January 2, 1922, one of seven children born to Calvin Henry Rude and Amanda Florentine Sundby. In her early years, the family moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where, sadly, her mother, Amanda, died when Frances was only 10. Before her senior year of high school, Frances moved to Chicago to live with her beloved uncle and aunt, Dave and Vi Sundby. After graduating from Chicago’s Parker High School in 1940, Frances moved to Seattle and then to Los Angeles where she helped with the war effort at Cannon Electric. At Cannon Electric she met Haldor C. Wadley and they were married in 1943.

Frances and Haldor moved to Arcadia, California, in 1949 where they raised four children: Thomas, who preceded his mother in death; Harlan, a retired psychiatrist in Vancouver, Washington; Jon, a retired chemical engineer in Richmond, Virginia; and Tracey, a homemaker in Arcadia. Frances was active in her community, schools, and Scouts, but always found time to go shopping. Frances and Haldor parted ways in 1987 and Frances continued to live in Arcadia, enjoying her retirement, reading spy novels and Russian history, and caring for grandchildren. Of Norwegian descent, she had a deep love for her Norwegian heritage, and visiting Norway was a highlight of her life.

Frances spent her sunset years at Scripps Kensington Episcopal Home in Alhambra, and then at Solheim Lutheran Home in Eagle Rock. She was preceded in death by two infant twin siblings, Vernie and Violet, one sister, Elnora Wasbotten; two brothers, Palmer Rude and Andrew Rude; and one son Tom. She is survived by one brother Vernie Rude, three children, Harlan (Marie), Jon (LaVonne), and Tracey Funsten (Clark), five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for February 10 at 12 noon in the Chapel at Turner & Stevens Live Oak Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 E. Duarte Rd., Monrovia, California. While flowers are appreciated, alternatively we encourage donations be made to Solheim Lutheran Home in honor of Frances.

Frances will always be remembered as being “band box ready.” Her fashion, style, and appearance were second to none. Her sense of humor, mild manner, and humble devotion to God and family completed the Frances we knew and loved. She will be missed dearly.