Francene Renee Thompson's Obituary
Francene Rene (Ping) Thompson, lifetime resident of Weir, KS, passed away Friday evening January 26, 2018 at her home after a lengthy illness. Family surrounded her at her bedside as she went home to be with her Savior and Lord.
Francene was born July 16, 1937 to Genevieve E. Canny and Clifford A. Ping in Cardin, OK. On April 29, 1955 she married the love of her life, John R. Thompson, at the Calvary Baptist Church of Columbus, KS. Later in 1955 Francene graduated from Columbus High School.
Francene and John were inseparable during their 61 years of marriage and shared that immense love with their four children. Francene committed her life to serving those around her and joyfully shared her love for the Lord with all who met her. She worked on the election board in Weir for a number of years and was committee woman since 1981.
She worked as a para-professional at Weir Attendance Center and site manager for Senior Services of Scammon, KS.
Francene was known for her love of music and talent of playing the piano. She was the music director, adult Sunday school teacher and director of vacation Bible school for over 20 years at the First Baptist Church of Weir of which her and John were members of for 27 years. Later they transferred their membership in 2003 to the First Church of the Nazarene in Pittsburg, KS.
Francene is survived by her son, John R. (Janie) Thompson, Jr. of Ozark, MO; daughter Francenea (Brian) Harding of Tulsa, OK; daughter Felecia (Jeff) Cowan of Ponca City, OK; son Ed (Carla) Thompson of Chicopee, KS; brother Doug Ping and sister Donna Brassart; grandchildren Chad Walker, Gabe (Jestine) Walker, Brooke (Jacob) Rogers, John R. (Jessica) Thompson III, Abby (Nathan) Bilyeu, Seth (Mykayla) Thompson, Jenny Cowan, Lauren (Shelby) Smoker, Kayla (Riley) Weaver and Madison Thompson, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Francene was preceded in death by her husband John, by her parents, her brothers Clifford and Ed Ping, and her sisters Virginia Deboer, Gloria Cowan and Martha Fowler.
The family would also like to express their gratitude to the care-givers, Becky Jenkins, Glenda Madl, Stephanie Edwards, Kim Boyer and Connie Wallace, who provided comfort and support in her final days. A special thanks to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.
Services will be 1 pm Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the First Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Jim Sukraw officiating. Burial will take place before the services at 10 am in Park Cemetery, Columbus, KS. The family will receive friends at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Weir from 6-8 pm on Monday, January 29. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Weir, KS.
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