Frances Sue Gabbard

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Frances Sue Gabbard, 86, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Independence, Missouri. Frances Sue Crouch was born on August 19, 1938, in Idabel, Oklahoma. Her parents were Morris Sheppard Crouch (1904-1960) and Louise Bell Cagle (1904-1995). Her two older sisters were Ina Faye (Diener) (1935-2005) and Mary Lou (Koster) (1928-2024). By the time of the 1950 census, the Crouch family was living in Compton, California.
Frances married Charles Edward Becker (1930-2017) on May 13, 1961. Charles and Frances had three sons: Charles Morris (1963), David Lynn (1966), and James Edward (1968). The family settled in Ventura County, California. Charles and Frances divorced in 1976. Frances married Gary Curtis Gabbard (1943-2011) in Santa Barbara, CA. In 1985, Gary and Fran relocated to Independence, MO, where they both took Civil Service jobs and eventually paid off their home. Gary died in 2011. Over the next 14 years, Fran built a new life for herself. A lifelong lover of religion and knowledge, Fran converted to Catholicism and became a regular attendee and volunteer at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Independence. For many years, she volunteered for various organizations that were important to her, including the Jackson County Historical Society and the Midwest Genealogy Center. She also opened her home to three wonderful little dogs over the years: Fiona, Finn, and Hansi.
Frances loved going to Church, volunteering, watching British TV, collecting Hallmark ornaments, going on short daytrips with her dogs, and going out to eat and spending time with her wonderful friends. Frances is survived by sons Charles (Pam) Becker, David (Linda) Becker, James (Cheryl) Becker, four grandchildren, Wilson, Joseph, Nora and Andrew, two great-granddaughters, Everly and Isla, stepdaughters Erika Gabbard and Kristin Gabbard Irving; and dog-daughter Hansi, who is being adopted by an employee of the boarding facility who cared for her during Frances’s illness.
The family is grateful to all of the love and support from those who loved their mother.
Donations may be made in Frances’s memory to the 1859 Jail and Museum Campaign at the Jackson County Historical Society (www.jchs.org).
My heart is broken for all the family. The Sigonas have so many cherished memories spending time together before she moved to Missouri. I was lucky to of spoken to her recently and let her know how dear she was to me and my siblings. Please know I am thinking of you all with love and hugs.
Gina