Frances A. McDaniel

Thursday, October 11, 2012

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Frances A. McDaniel at the age of 87 years. Frances was the beloved mother of Susan Swearingen and mother-in-law of David Swearingen of Nevada. She was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Rich Hill, Mo., to Edwin D. and Julie (Wheatley) Ayer.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Herbert D. McDaniel; her parents; five sisters; two brothers; and a grandson. In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, she is survived by two grandsons, Matthew and his wife, Joyce, and Joseph and his wife, Sarah, all of Nevada; two honorary grandchildren, Barrett and Meghan Case, Rich Hill; and five great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Carter, Owen, Clara, and Lucy Swearingen, also of Nevada. She is also survived by her sisters, Madelyn Tourtillot, Rich Hill, and Ruth James of Wichita, Kan.; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Frances was born the seventh of 10 children and attended grades 1-8 at Reavley School, west of Rich Hill. She attended Rich Hill High School, graduating in the spring of 1943. She moved to Kansas City, Mo., the following summer and worked at North American Defense Plant for several years. She married the love of her life, Herb, on May 15, 1944. They returned to Rich Hill in 1946. After the birth of their daughter, Frances chose to stay home and care for her family.

Frances loved the Lord and joined the church at a young age; she was an active member of First Christian Church in Rich Hill. She was happiest when doing for others, especially her family. She was very involved at the Kern Senior Center, helping with dinners, delivering meals, and spending a part of every day visiting and playing cards and games with others who gathered there. She was a member of the Rich Hill Memorial Library board for many years and enjoyed reading. Frances thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of being actively involved in her community. She will be deeply missed.

Memorial donations in memory of Frances may be made to the First Christian Church of Rich Hill or the Rich Hill Memorial Library in care of the funeral home.