Frances Colleen (Mourning) Hess, 94, of Altamont passed away peacefully with family by her side at 10:25 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

She was born May 21, 1915, in Altamont, an only child, to Hezekiah and Mina Mae (Browning) Mourning. She graduated from Labette County Community High School in Altamont, received her bachelor of science in education degree from Pittsburg State University and received her master of science from Columbia University in New York City.

Frances was married to Abe Hess on April 9, 1944, in Altamont. For a time, they lived in Parsons before moving to Altamont, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He preceded her in death on Feb. 21, 1987.

Before marriage, Frances taught business in Toronto, Eureka and in Michigan. When she and Abe moved to Altamont, she taught seventh and eighth grade English at Altamont Grade School from 1961 to 1968. She then taught English at LCCHS from 1969 to 1981, retiring in May 1981. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Culture Club, Bridge Club and various other social clubs during her life.

Frances will be remembered for the love of her family, her dedication to her teaching, her affection for close friends and her fondness for numerous cats she had throughout her life. She loved to read and enjoyed quilting, sewing and oil painting.

Survivors include two daughters, Julie Oman and her husband, Brad, of Altamont and Sherrie Willsie and her husband, David, of Lincoln, Neb.; four grandchildren, Jennifer Oman Russell of Pittsburg, Jana Oman Ingram of Cheney, Philip Willsie of Wilmington, Del., and Grant Willsie of Lincoln, Neb.; and three great-grandchildren, Tatum, Kinslee and Brody Ingram of Cheney.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

The service will be at 2 p.m. today at Altamont United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.

Memorials are suggested to the USD 506 Foundation Inc. for the Frances Hess Scholarship Fund, or the Altamont City Library. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, 67330.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.