Barbara Frances Reno (Reilly) (Larson)

9/3/1927 - 10/14/2012 (Age 85)

Our beloved wife and mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt Barbara Frances Reno passed away on October 14, 2012, in Othello, Washington due to complications from diabetes. Frances was born on September 3, 1927, in Spokane, Washington, to Frank Reilly and Barbara Cox Reilly. Frances was the oldest of six children, and her early life was spent in Spangle before moving to the family farm outside Deer Park, Washington. She graduated from Deer Park High School in 1944, at age 16. She was a straight-A student, except for that pesky "D" in Chemistry. After high school, Frances attended Kinman Business College in Spokane and began a career as a bookkeeper. She met Dale Larson at a dance in Nampa, Idaho, shortly after moving there for her first job. They were married in 1948 and lived in New Plymouth, Idaho, until the mid-1950s, when she and Dale moved to Othello to start their own business, Larson Iron Works. While living in Idaho, their first three children were born. Shortly after moving to Othello, their fourth child was born. Dale died in 1959, and Frances continued to run the business on her own before it was sold three years later.

Frances was introduced to Justin Reno (Dusty) through mutual friends and they were married in January 1963. Next January 25th would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a farm outside Othello. While Dusty worked in construction and on the farm, Frances worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of businesses in town. During this time, two more children were born. Frances retired in 1988 from The Carnation Company, where she was the office manager. Frances was a member of Eastern Star and the Buddy Andrews Guild of Children's Hospital Medical Center. She frequently commented that she was busier after retiring than when she was working. Her home was always open to friends and family, and until the past few years she hosted every Thanksgiving and Easter holiday, as well as other get-togethers at the farm. Frances was a fantastic cook, and no one ever went away hungry.

Frances was preceded in death by her first husband, her parents, and her daughter Karen Larson, - who passed away in April 2012. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Justin Reno; her five remaining children: Yvonne Calavan of Seattle, Norma Tillotson of Spokane, Nels (Marilyn) Larson of Othello, Rich Reno of Othello, and Bob (Shana) Reno of Springfield, Oregon; and her grandchildren Andrew (Lily) Tillotson of China, Ben (Heather) Tillotson of Portland, Kathleen Tillotson and Jill Tillotson of Spokane, Kristi Larson of Bountiful, Utah, Justin (Ashlee) Larson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sarah (Jason) Higgs of Othello, David (Jennifer) Larson of Meridian, Idaho, Nathan (Jamie) Larson of Rexburg, Idaho, Ben Larson of Bountiful, Utah, Rhiannon Reno and Ryan Reno of Othello, and Josie Reno and Justin Reno of Springfield, Oregon.

Frances is also survived by her brothers Nathan (Ruth) Reilly of Spokane; Floyd (Barbara) Reilly of Orlando, Florida; Fay (Marilyn) Reilly of Deer Park; Jim (Clarice) Reilly of Deer Park; and sister June Adamson of Pasco; seven great-grandchildren, and by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many dear and life-long friends.

Fran, Mom, Grandma Frannie - she answered to all and she loved her family above all else. We can't imagine our lives without her, but we take comfort that she is in a better place, with her loved ones who passed before her.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Chapel, 511 S 7th Avenue in Othello, Washington. Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the former Church of the Nazarene, 825 E Ash Street, in Othello, Washington, with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside services at the former Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frances's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association at 315 W Mission Avenue, Suite 20, Spokane, Washington. 99201, or by calling (509) 624-7478.