Frances Helen Shank
July 12, 1926 - December 29, 2016
Frances was born on July 12, 1926 in Columbia, Mississippi to Harvey and Myrtis May. Frances was a long-time resident of Novato, California. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side on December 29, 2016 in Citrus Heights, California.
Frances grew up in Mississippi and was an industrious young lady. She worked from the age of 16 in various jobs before enlisting in the Air Force in 1953. She was at times a roller skating carhop, a telephone operator, a bookkeeper until age 77, and of course a loving mother and grandmother. Frances enjoyed flower gardening and bonzai, fishing, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, sewing, crochet, ceramics, dancing and travelling. Frances had an abiding faith and was a member of Marin Christian Life Church, serving on the Board of Elders. She was also active in Novato chapters of Rotary and the Lions Club.
Frances is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Steven Lindbeck, and two granddaughters Abigail and Athena Lindbeck, all of Roseville, California. She is also survived by nephews Roger, Lee, and Eric May and niece Edgie (May) Dorris, all of Mississippi, and by Jerry Taylor of Vacaville, the father of her child. She was preceded in death by her brothers Jhue and Edwin May, and nephew James May, all of Mississippi, and by Mac McFarland of Tucson, whom she raised as a son.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on January 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield, California. Following this, a burial with military honors will be at Fairmont Memorial Park, 1901 Union Av., Fairfield, California.
In lieu of flowers, please spend an hour visiting with the elderly or veterans, listening and giving hugs.