Frances Marie Tifft

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” These words from Proverbs 31 apply wondrously to Frances Marie Tifft, wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her life was punctuated with acts of love and selflessness, and she was a blessing to those who knew her.

At her happiest when surrounded by family and friends, she celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special occasions with delight and flare. Christmas was not just a one-day affair, but a month-long festivity. Every room in the house boasted decorations, even the windows were painted. She baked holiday cookies, made candy, and listened to Christmas carols (think Silent Night). Craft fairs, worship services and concerts were all attended. But Mom didn’t need a holiday as an excuse to celebrate; her china was well used.

A woman of many interests, she took pleasure in camping, hiking, ocean fishing, and picnicking. She was an excellent cook and accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and crafts of all types.

While in Arizona, she relished club activities, often meeting with the women for card games, craft projects and potlucks.

For most of Mom’s life, her major role was that of homemaker. She worked a few years in the medical field, mostly as a dental assistant, but took the most satisfaction in volunteering as the church secretary.

Mom avoided being the center of attention. She preferred to work behind the scenes rather than to receive accolades. She could be counted on for a bake food sale or for a special typing project, but not as a public speaker.

Her favorite color was green. Her favorite movies included “The Thornbirds,” and anything with John Wayne. Her favorite foods were pepperoni pizza, Baskin and Robbins pralines and cream ice cream, almond roca, and black licorice ropes.

Mom will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, her devotion to family, her wisdom, patience, kindness, gentleness, and love.

Frances Marie Warren was born October 28, 1929 in Torrance, California, the second daughter of Lester and Ina Warren. She lived in Colorado as a child, then attended Yelm (Washington) elementary school. She graduated from Yelm High School in 1948. That same year she married Tom Tifft, her high school sweetheart.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Ina and Lester Warren; a sister, Margaret; and two brothers, Charles and Harold. She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Tifft; her children, Debi Van Buren; Barbara Blakey; and Allan Tifft, as well as eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Darlene Lazelle; and two brothers, Lester Warren and Vernon Bircher.