Frances "Fran" Charlene Denton, 64, of Bear Lake, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, with her family by her side. She was born Sept. 7, 1952 in Frankfort, the daughter of Charles and Lillian (Leask) Marchand.

Frances started her family early on. While her husband was overseas in the Vietnam War she delayed her education to stay at home and raise her children. However, this was something she really wanted to finish. When her children were a little older she went back and received her high school diploma and graduated from Bear Lake High School. This taught her children early on that if you really wanted something, you could achieve it.

Frances was mostly a stay-at-home mom - only working a few years before she became disabled. However, she had the best job around, and she absolutely loved it. She made sure her children were well taken care of and that they knew they were loved. Frances taught them the things they needed to be caring, compassionate adults. Frances did not stop there, of course; she also had numerous "adopted" children. If someone needed a bed or a place to stay her home was always welcome and those children were forever part of her family. She really loved being a "Mom" to any child in need.

Frances was ecstatic about her grandchildren when they were born. Each one brought a new sense of joy to her life. She not only was a "Grandma" but also a caregiver to them as well. When they were small she would watch them during the day so her children (their parents) could work. She would help get them from school when they were sick, take them to and from practice, watch their sporting events, anything that was needed. She absolutely loved being there for others, especially her children and grandchildren. They were the joys of her life, and she loved each of them dearly.

Frances was also the type of person who would do whatever was needed for others, whether it was a ride to an appointment, day care for the day for family or giving something out of her cupboard. She was just a very caring and giving individual. Those who knew her will be forever impacted by the type of person she was.

Frances is survived by her sister, Cheryl (Jack) Mills, of Frankfort; her children, Paula Jean (Timothy) Batzer, of Bear Lake, and Paul Theodore (Denise) Hamilton, of Bear Lake; her stepson, Jason Albert (Chandra) Denton, of West Bloomfield; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie, Abigail, Maranda, Brandon, Isaac, Dezyrae, Sarah, Mackenzie, Isabella, Macey and Jace; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Denton; her parents, Charles and Lillian (Leask) Marchand; her sister, Paula Marchand; and a brother who died in infancy.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at the Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva, with the Reverend William Morris officiating. Interment will follow in the Springdale Township Cemetery in Bear Lake. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the Terwilliger Funeral Home.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva is in charge of arrangements; www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.