Frances Safley

Frances Safley, 90, of Jefferson died with her family by her side on August 31, 2017 at Regency Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Jefferson, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 6 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Sheldon Henderson officiating. Honorary bearers were “Her Grandchildren” - Mike Safley, Jeff Safley, Mark Safley, Andrea Kemble, Matt Safley, Erin Drew, Jacob Safley, Stanton Safley, Sarah Borgeson, Liz Pierce, Mary Hinton and Bill Frederick. “How Great Thou Art” was performed by Matt Safley and “In The Garden” by soloist, Gary Haupert and pianist, Danille Curtis. Interment will be at a later date at Franklin Township Cemetery, Cooper, Iowa.

Frances Louise Schilling Safley was born March 16, 1927 at home in Greene County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Dewey and Grace (Harvey) Schilling. Fran graduated from Cooper High School in 1944 and attended two years of college at the University of Iowa. She married Robert D. Safley on September 8, 1946 in Jefferson, Iowa. They were married an amazing 70 years. The couple lived and farmed south east of Cooper. They became the parents of four children: Bob, Bill, Tom and Ann. In 1974, Fran and Bob moved to Jefferson.

Fran was a homemaker, mother and farm wife. She always had chocolate chip cookies and party mix on hand for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed looking through magazines for ideas to help her children and grandchildren with 4-H projects. Fran was the head communicator for the Safley branch of the family keeping uncles, aunts and cousins informed about family activities and how they could be contacted. Fran hosted many family gatherings over the years.  

As a farm wife, Fran was a true partner. She was familiar with driving tractors. She hauled countless wagons of corn to Jefferson. She endured many flat tires without a cell phone to call for help. She operated the corn picker for several years while her husband unloaded the ear corn into the corn cribs.

She always encouraged others. Fran enjoyed spending time quilting with Bob’s sisters. She made many, many quilts and she shared her quilts with many people. Fran had created over 270 projects which included blankets, table runners and wall hangings, each of which were done with love. Fran also liked the challenge of doing stained glass work. She enjoyed family history. She loved the Cooper reunions – because she loved Cooper!

Through the years, Fran played a lot of Bridge and belonged to a bridge club in Jefferson. She enjoyed square dancing and golfing. She was a member of Central Christian Church in Jefferson. She was a member of Eastern Star, P.E.O., Culture Club and a charter member of the DOES. Fran liked looking at clouds, full moons and the recent Solar Eclipse. The favorite stars in Fran’s “galaxy” were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents and one brother. She is survived by three sons: Bob (Connie) Safley of Linden, Iowa, Bill (Holli) Safley of Peterson, Iowa and Tom (Lorna) Safley of Jefferson; a daughter, Ann (Alan) Frederick of Jefferson; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Beatrice Freeman and Betty Larson both of Jefferson and Bonnie Blough of Ariz.; other relatives and many friends.

Memorials are suggested to Jefferson Public Library, Central Christian Church or Greene County 4-H Foundation.  

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, 386-2171.