Frances Bell Epley was born Dec. 1, 1912, to Guy and Edith Epley in Carpenter, Iowa.

During early years, her family farmed in southern Minnesota and later moved to Austin, Minn. She graduated from the Rose Creek Public school in 1920. She attended Teachers Training School in Austin and taught in rural schools throughout Southern Minnesota for the next 22 years. She continued her teachers training in several Minnesota universities, including St. Cloud, Winona and Mankato. In 1948, she married Wagner Christianson. God blessed her family with a daughter, Judy. They lived in Austin for the next 44 years. During that time, Wagner worked for the Hormel Meat Packing Industry. He died June 16, 1992. Following retirement, Frances used her talents by quilting, Hardanger, tatting, crocheting and reading. Throughout her life, she enjoyed serving her Lord by teaching Sunday school and quietly living her strong faith. She was very active in missions and supported a school in Tanzania, East Africa, by making and selling note cards and prayer shawls. She helped build an educational facility there that will continue to serve young men and women as they prepare their lives for ministry and service. Frances moved to Shorewood Senior Campus in Rochester, Minn., at age 89. There she continued share her talents. There she enjoyed Bible studies, Sew and Sew, entertaining and caring for friends and family. Her former neighbors, students and new friends enriched her life at Shorewood. In the past three months, Frances was a resident at Samaritan Bethany Heights where she celebrated her 99th birthday, serving red velvet cupcakes and coffee to all who visited. She was loved and cared for by the staff and many special friends.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Edith Epley; two brothers, Earl and Guy Jr. and a sister, Pearl. She is survived by one daughter, Judy (Allan) Trautman and two grandchildren, Chris and Laura; sister, Helen and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Epley and Marion Christianson.

A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2830 18th Ave. NW, Rochester, with the Rev. Laura Sutherland and Rev. Siri Strommen-Campell officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Blooming Prairie Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Mount Olive Lutheran Church for Tanzania, East African Missions. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600, www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.