Frances Wheeler, age 80, of Parsons, Kansas, died Saturday, July 14, 2012, with family at her side.

She was born October 11, 1931, to Joseph and Ethel Caissie of Worcester, Mass., and grew up in Worcester with 13 siblings on Woodcliff Road.

In 1951, Frances married Donald Escolas of Worcester, Mass., and together raised four children on Ashworth Drive in North Oxford, Mass.

In 1953, Frances began studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized in 1956. She remained an active member of several congregations throughout her life and inspired others with her faith and passion.

Frances enjoyed music, gardening, reading, antiques and pictures. She maintained a great balance in knowledge of history and current events and loved to share her wit and humor with friends and family.

In 1973, Frances was remarried to Jack Wheeler of Parsons, Kansas. She moved from New England and relocated in Parsons, where she had her fifth child.

Jack preceded her death on Jan. 13, 2008. Also preceding her death were her parents, Joseph Octave Caissie and Ethel May Daval; her brothers, Robert Caissie, Barry Caissie and Lenny Caissie; her sister, Lois Folio; and her daughter, Diane F. Escolas.

Frances is survived by four children, Doni Escolas (wife Lisa), Kenneth Escolas (wife Jodi), Edward Escolas and Wade Wheeler (wife Amy).

She was the grandmother of Julie Junokas (husband Chris), Shawn Parker (wife Ericka), Melissa Escolas, Amanda Escolas, Jane Escolas Harrell, Carmel Wheeler, Joseph Escolas and Allen Escolas.

She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Glorianna Junokas, Angela Junokas, Amber Escolas and Tayven Escolas.

Frances is also survived by four sisters, Ethel Boissoneault, Roberta Hammann (husband Edward), Leona Parker and Janet Couture; five brothers, Joseph Caissie (wife Beverly), Arthur Caissie (wife Beth), Russell Caissie (wife Judy), David Caissie, Dennis Caissie; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 4301 West Main Street, Parsons on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 2 p.m. Family and friends will gather immediately after the service at the Parsons Arboretum until 6 p.m.

A memorial service will also be held at the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, Mass., on a date to be named later.

For condolences and information, contact Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th Street, Parsons, KS, 67357 (www.wallfuneralservices.com).