Frances P. Fletcher

Frances Perry Fletcher, 100, passed away on Jan. 3, 2009, at Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata.

Frances was born in Seattle to William Harrison and Valla Esther (Nash) Perry on Feb. 8, 1908. She was raised in Portland, Ore., by her mother and stepfather, Walter Ricks, along with two much-loved sisters, McKay and Estora. Following graduation from the University of Oregon in 1929, Frances ventured to Washington state to teach high school French, English and music in Raymond, Wash., Waterville, Wash., and Woodland, Wash. While teaching in Waterville, she met her future husband, Gordon, K. Fletcher, at a dance where he was playing saxophone in the band.

Frances and Gordon were married in Wenatchee June 24, 1936, and took up residence in Ephrata. 1941 was a banner year for the couple as they welcomed the birth of their only child, Frances Ann, established Fletcher hardware and built their permanent home in Ephrata.

Frances followed her interest in music throughout her life as a piano and organ teacher and as organist for the United Methodist Church of Ephrata from 1952 to 1959. She helped to build the community as a volunteer and leader in many organizations. She was a member of PEO, serving as president in 1963 to 1965, and worthy matron of the Order of Western Star in 1951. She was active in her support of the public schools, Camp Fire Girls and Rainbow for girls. She was also a tireless worker for United Way, winning the President’s Award in the Loaned Executive Program in 1974. Following the death of her husband in 1968, Frances served as secretary on the Board of Directors of Security State Bank for 10 years and she went to work as the dispatcher for the Ephrata city police department, retiring in 1984. Frances was most proud of her involvement in building the Columbia Basin Hospital, where she served on the Foundation Board until age 92. Her many accomplishments are noted in “Who’s Who in American Women.”

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Katherine and McKay, and a brother, Bill. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Fletcher Colvin of San Francisco, Calif.; a grandson, William Fletcher Colvin of BOzeman, Mont.; a granddaughter, Katerine Frances Colvin of Seattle; a sister, Estora Moe of Corvallis, Ore.; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and many treasured friends and neighbors in Ephrata.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation or the United Methodist Church of Ephrata in memory of Frances.

Services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Ephrata. Arrangements are under the direction of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata.