Frances Bernice "Fran" Erley

Frances “Fran” Bernice Erley, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Springfield, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014 at her home in Phoenix, AZ, where she resided since early 2009.

Fran was born in Alton, IL, on April 22, 1926, the daughter of Carl and Mary Elizabeth Nickerson. She married Robert Erley on April 7, 1951 at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, TX. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2004 as well as a son, Thomas Erley on July 15, 1996, a son in law, Bill Hindman and a granddaughter, Melissa Slack.

She is survived by her five daughters, Diane (Tom) Nevill of Springfield, Rita Hindman of Metamora, Jo Anne (Bob) Wassell of Springfield, Karen (Doug) Farris of Longmont, CO, Susan Roberts (fiancé: John Robbins) of Lincoln; two sons, Gerard Erley (Lemuel Watson) of Columbia, SC, and John (Nit) Erley of Phoenix, AZ; 16 grandchildren, Christina (Christopher) Casson of Springfield, Thomas (Karla) Nevill of Brownsville, TX, Daniel Wassell of Sacramento, CA, Elizabeth Wassell of Kansas City, MO, Jacqueline Wassell of Springfield, Danny (Sheri) Hindman of DeKalb, Amy (Craig) Barnett of Peoria, Jennifer Moore and Jeanette Hindman both of Metamora, Sarah Farris (fiancé James Mckee) of Flagstaff, AZ, Luke Farris of Boulder, CO, Evelyn Erley (fiancé: Steve Schaefer) of Belleville, IL, John Robert Erley of Louisville, KY, Michael (Lauren) Erley of Phoenix, AZ, and Raymond Slack of Tucson AZ; nine great grand-children; and several nieces, nephews and relatives.

Fran will most importantly be remembered as a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. She was of Catholic faith. She had an early career as an office secretary and nurse’s aide. But being a homemaker was her calling. Fran had a green thumb and labored many hours in her garden to grow the most beautiful flowers. She developed close relationships with the Good Shepherd Nuns, Saint Joseph’s Home in Springfield and Peoria, IL as well as with her caregivers. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield, IL and Saint Helen’s and Saint Thomas More in AZ. Fran was also involved in the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a great friend to many and volunteered countless hours of her time. Fran loved her family very much and will always be in their hearts.

Visitation: 4-7 pm, Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 pm.

Funeral Mass: 10 am, Friday, June 20, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church with Reverend Paul Habing officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th avenue, 7th floor, New York, NY 10001 .