Frances Helen Zschiesche Farley

Frances Helen Zschiesche Farley
After 95 years of faithful service and steadfast faith, Frances finished the journey we call life. She is reunited in heaven with her faithful husband of 65 years- Robert Neal “Bob” Farley, father-Herbert Herman Zschiesche, mother-Amanda Othelia Gromatzky Zschiesche, Sisters-Alice and husband, Wally Hobratsch, and Evelyn and husband, Cliff Olsen, brothers – Ollie Zschiesche and wife, Helen, Milford Zschiesche, and Carroll Zschiesche and wife, Ruth.

Loved ones left to remember her: Son-Dale Farley and wife, Pat, Daughter- Karen and husband, Pete Moxley. Daughter-in-Love: Nancy Farley. Grandchildren – Celeste and husband, Keith Larson, Sean Farley, Katarina Messenger, Erin and her husband, Tyler Strouse, Nancy Moxley and partner, David Eaglin, and Ashley Moxley and partner, Matthew Pacheco. Great-Grandchildren – Caylynne O’Dell, Bentley Moxley, Annaley Short-Moxley, Brantley Pacheco, and Briar Larson. 11 Nieces and Nephews and their children and grandchildren. A 100 year old cousin, Melvin Gromatzky, and numerous family members from the Zschiesche, Teel, and Farley families.

Frances was born on a Sunday, January 29, 1928, on a farm near Pottsville, Texas. Her parents were brought to be baptized on February 19, 1928, by Rev. E. M. Zabel at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She and her brothers and sisters attended parochial school at Immanuel. She continued her education at Pottsville High School where she showed her Bobcat Spirit on the Girls Basketball Team. She graduated in May of 1945. Her life of service began with her attending King’s Daughters Hospital School of Nursing in Temple paid for by the US Cadet Nurses Corp. She was the last to cross the stage in the last class of the school in 1948. While she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple, her roommate introduced her to one of the recovering, long-term patients from the Tuberculosis Ward. Bob and Frances had their first date on Valentine’s Day in 1949. On August 14, 1949, they were married. It was so hot, sweat dripped down their faces! Service was the theme of Frances’ life. She became a stay-at-home Mom during her children’s young years - being a Room Mother, taking her children to violin and cello lessons, sewing clothes and costumes for them, attending concerts, sporting events, and church activities. After laying out of work for 16 years, she returned to nursing at St. David’s Hospital in Austin in 1969. Taking a Nursing refresher course, she worked in orthopedics as well as on the medical floor with cancer and hospice patients. Her desire to gain the knowledge and skill to care for the sickest led her to earn her Critical Care Certification. Frances worked in ICU for almost 10 years before moving to the telemetry floor. In 2000, at the age of 72, Frances retired from St David’s Hospital. She was respected and loved by her coworkers as well as her patients as told in the many notes of thanks and appreciation she received. Frances was also faithful in her service for the Lord... she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. But her passion was creating a beautiful altar at Hope Lutheran Church in Austin. Her Thanksgiving Altars were epic. The Chrismons on the tree sparkled with their Christmas message. Frances planted beautiful rose bushes and azaleas around their home on Pecos in Austin. She loved her lawn to be green to the point of being notified by the Austin Water Board that she was one of the top 10 uses! Not sure they meant that as a compliment – but her lawn was lush and green and her azaleas, irises, jonquils, and roses were beautiful. In 2010, Frances and Bob moved to Bedford to enjoy being closer to family. Frances enjoyed living in retirement communities making friends and playing Bingo and doing Yoga and Tai Chi. She loved her church family at Calvary Lutheran Church. Wednesday night at Calvary Café followed by a Bible Study was something she looked forward to each week. Frances continued her Mother’s practice of sending Birthday Greetings and Anniversary cards to all of her family. She kept up with families in 46 households. Frances’ life was filled with people she cared about and who cared about her. She attended every major milestone of every grandchild and great grandchild. If she couldn’t be there in person she would ALWAYS send a card. Her Love is steadfast and strong. In the last few months of her life, our nurse, Kortnie, from St. Gabriel’s Hospice along with her aide, Ify, and especially her amazing caregiver, Aileen, looked after Frances and her family with great love and care. She passed peacefully from this world in her daughter’s home surrounded by love.