Frances C. Choate's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Frances C. Choate, age 85 of Charleston, passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018 while at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth Street in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening immediately following the visitation with Reverend Janice Kahl officiating. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the Anna Cemetery in Anna, Illinois. Memorial gifts in Fran's honor may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church - Summer Camp Fund or to International Chapter P.E.O. Sisterhood and may be left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.Frances was born January 27, 1933 in Anna, Illinois, a daughter of the late Harold P. and Hazel (Jones) Waller. She married Murray Choate on October 4, 1952 and they were blessed with 66 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she is survived by their son, Rick Choate and wife Virginia of Charleston; four grandchildren, Aden, Isaac, Simon and Hannah Choate; two brothers, Richard Waller and wife Lois of Evansville, Wisconsin and Phillip Waller and wife Joyce of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; along with several nieces, nephews and their families. Frances was preceded by two sisters, Martha Jean Riggs and Mary Helen Conder.Fran (Sancie) was a graduate of Janesville High School Class of 1951. She went on to attend Eastern Illinois University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Education with honors. She began a twenty five year teaching career in Mattoon, Illinois. She was named Teacher of the Year for Mattoon Public Schools and was Coles County Teacher of the Year and Illinois Teacher of the Year runner up. She retired her teaching career and continued as a substitute teacher.Fran was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church as well as numerous professional organizations including P.E.O. and Order of the Eastern Star. Her membership to the Charleston Country Club allowed her to enjoy the sport of golf and she was also an avid bridge player. Fran traveled extensively throughout her life both professionally and at leisure. Fran was a dedicated volunteer for the EIU Foundation and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, and a financial supporter of Rotary Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin.Funeral ServiceThe funeral service celebrating the life of Fran Choate was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston with Reverend Janice Kahl officiating. Pianist, Sandy Ernst, provided prelude and postlude selections as well as playing ""In The Garden"" and ""Wind Beneath My Wings"" for the service. Fran's granddaughter, Hannah Choate gave a eulogy and accompanied herself on the piano in singing ""You Are My Sunshine"". Additional family members offered reflections of Fran including her brother, Richard Waller, her son, Rick Choate and a niecen Ann Riggs. A P.E.O. Memorial Service was conducted by Fran's Chapter KO sisters, Jan Grewell, Kathy Hummel, Luz Whittenbarger and Kay DeLong. SERVICES Visitation Monday, October 08, 2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wesley United Methodist Church 2206 Fourth Street Charleston, IL 61920 Funeral Service Monday, October 08, 2018 7:00 PM Wesley United Methodist Church 2206 Fourth Street Charleston, IL 61920 Graveside Service Tuesday, October 09, 2018 1:00 PM Anna Cemetery Anna, IL 62906
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