Frances Lucille Lyle Sather, age 90, passed peacefully October 10, 2020. Born February 27, in Burlington, Washington to Edward and Mary. She left this earth after a long fight with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Frances married her soulmate Glyn who preceded her death in 1998. Survived by her brother, Edward “Lloyd” of Virginia, her daughters: Betty of Oklahoma, Jacquie of Virginia, and Anita of Spokane, her sons: David of Everett, Everett of Spokane, her grandchildren: Chris, Chad, Cori, Jeremy, Melissa, Micah, Kato, Bryce, and Elizabeth and her 15 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Frances was also blessed with her caregiver Maria.
Our mother lived a life that told a good story. Since a small child, Frances’ hands were rarely still. First by playing musical instruments and then becoming a Registered Nurse. She began work at the Grand Coulee Hospital and then moved to Spokane where her most gratifying work was at Interlake School in Medical Lake. Frances could look past a person’s disability and directly into their soul, assuring each one that she saw no limitations, only possibilities. She shared her love of life with her community and rarely said no to a volunteer opportunity. She was a member of many PTA’s, churches, fraternity groups, scout troops, and clubs. She lived the lesson of being “more blessed …by giving than receiving”. Frances had a servant’s heart.
In 1978, Frances found a new way to help others through foster parenting. She became a licensed foster parent for Children’s Hospital Alternative Program in Washington. Dedicated to making a difference in every child that lived under her roof, Frances changed hundreds of children’s lives. She adopted two and remained involved in the life of another child Sean, considered by Frances as her third son. Even today, many of her kids still say thank you for giving them a chance and that she changed their lives for the better. She was our mother, and a mom to so many.
Throughout life, Frances remained connected to her music. We all remember her playing the organ in the living room with the family surrounding her singing “The Old Rugged Cross”. She loved to dance, from square dancing to waltzes, and always said she never went dancing enough. Frances was also very patriotic; she loved her country. She always wanted to be a pilot alongside her brother in the USAF. Frances lived by the Golden Rule and was a fighter; for justice, for those without a voice, and above all, for what she believed was right.
Frances’ life was full of compassion, hopefulness, and challenge. A perfect life she would have said. A celebration of her life will be held November 2020 via You Tube streaming on Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be made at BallandDodd.com. Donations may be made to Hamblen Park and by her example, she would have asked that we all spend time with those less fortunate, to help a child in need, and above all, be kind to one another.
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