Frances Swank
Apr 15, 2010 – Jul 06, 2008
Swank – Frances Byrd Powell died the 6th of July, 2008, at age 98. The second of five children of Robert Hawse and Frances Byrd Cave Powell at Pine Hurst in Louisa County Va. on the 15th of April 1910.
She is survived by her son Robert B. Keller and his wife Sarah and granddaughter Emily E. Keller. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law; Blanch Powell and Ann Powell along with four nieces and two nephews a step-son – Pembroke Pettit and his wife Deborah and their family.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents her brothers Robert Harvey and Roland and her sister Sallye; her husbands Joseph Edwin Keller Robert 0.Gordon and Walbrook D. Swank.
Frances was home schooled and later graduated from Lane High School in Charlottesville Va. She attended Lynchburg College and received a teaching certificate. She returned to Louisa and taught at Buckner and Apple Grove schools. She married Joseph Keller. Their son “Bobby” was born in 1945. Joe died in early 1949 while they lived in Berryville Va. Frances returned to Lynchburg College graduating in 1953. She returned to Louisa Elementary where she taught and was assistant principal. She married Robert Gordon and moved to “Snow Hill” where they lived and farmed until he retired. They moved to Fredericksburg and after Robert’s death she remained until she married Wally Swank in 1995 and moved to Frederick’s Hall. In 2006 Frances moved to Assisted Living in Louisa where she remained until her death. Wally died on the 4th of May 2008.
Always full of energy she was interested in current events and people. She was an
active member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Mineral where she was the organist for many years. She became a member of Fredericksburg Baptist Church while married to Robert Gordon. She was also a life-long and faithful member “of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Daughters of the American Revolution. . . .
Her funeral service will be the 12th of July 2008 at 2 PM Church of the Incarnation 102 Louisa Ave Rte.522 N Mineral Va. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery followed by a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a local rescue squad or fire department or to the Church of the Incarnation P.O. Box 307 Mineral Va. 23117.
Dear Bobby, Sarah, and Emily, We have been away and are just now hearing of the passing of Mrs. Gordon” that is how we always think of her. We have so many fond memories of life at Snow Hill Farm and can never forget those delicious rolls your mother made each week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We know that there is an irreplaceable void in your lives but such wonderful memories you will carry with you in your hearts.Walter and pam McWhirt”
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