Lula Frances 'Fran' Keibler, 84
On Oct. 14, 2018, at 84 years of age, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend Lula Frances “Fran” Keibler passed away in Boise, Idaho. Fran lived and breathed by the power of love and selflessness she gave to her family and friends. She always put others before herself, desiring nothing but love and happiness for those she knew.
Fran was born the youngest of three daughters to R.A. and Mamie Green in Olton, Texas, on July 19, 1934. She spent her childhood growing up in Olton and Dimmitt, Texas, with her close-knit family and life-long friends. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of family gatherings, singing, dancing, playing the piano with her sisters, and hanging out at the family-owned movie theater.
In 1951, Fran graduated from Olton High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in May of 1955.
During her last year of nursing school, on a blind date, Fran met the love of her life, Raymond C. Keibler. Three months later, they married on July 3, 1955, and enjoyed a life full of travel, adventure and raising four children. Due to Ray’s military and Forest Service careers, they moved frequently, living in Europe and various states. They eventually settled in Columbia Falls, spending time at Spotted Bear Ranger Station and making many wonderful friends. These were the happiest 36 years of their lives. After the death of her husband in 2014, Fran moved to Boise where she again became active in church and touched many more lives.
Throughout the years, Fran always found employment as a nurse. She was fortunate to have worked as an registered nurse in a variety of healthcare settings including public health, hospital, clinic and school nursing. After 34 years of nursing, Fran retired from the Columbia Falls School District in 1993.
The Golden Years were spent traveling and making precious memories with family and friends. Fran’s passions were her family, church and music. She was known for her kind, giving and compassionate heart, the best southern fried chicken in the state, and her beautiful smile. She will be greatly missed by all.
Fran is survived by her four children, Cindy (Joe) Gleesing, Bryan (Lianne) Keibler, Greg (Connie) Keibler and Kathy (Tom) Kilburg; eight grandchildren, Justin (Melissa) Gleesing, Aaron (Jessica) Gleesing, Amanda (Jacob) Lott, Cody Keibler, Brandon (Alyse) Keibler, Jared Keibler, Colton Keibler and Elizabeth Kilburg; four great-grandchildren, Maximus Gleesing, Swayze and Bowen Lott, and Rylan Keibler; one sister, Mary Chollis George; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; son, Carl; and sister, Dorothy Dodd.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Columbia Falls. A reception will immediately follow at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 401 7th St. W., Columbia Falls.