Frances Anne Ognoski Gillis, 86, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on November 2, 2024. Frances was born on November 14, 1937, in Brenham, Texas, and grew up in neighboring Chappell Hill. As a young adult, Frances would travel from Chappell Hill to Houston to visit her older sister, Dorothy. It was there that she would eventually meet the love of her life, Richard Gillis. The two met while attending a dance at the local YMCA. Frances and Richard married in 1956 and went on to have three children: Diane, David, and Glen. In 1976, Frances and Richard moved from Houston to Montgomery, where they would ultimately plant their roots.
Frances had a storied career in many different fields. She was a long-time employee of Tenneco Oil and Gas Company, then transitioned to a career at the Texas Department of Corrections, and ultimately ended her working career in retail. Amid raising children and working, Frances also welcomed even more challenges by returning to college, where she earned a degree (which she always jokingly said never did her a bit of good in advancing her career). Frances even made time to attend classes for interior design and floral design, two of her biggest passions. This was evident in her always creative and ever-changing home decor, as well as her beautiful plants and flowers that she meticulously cared for. Frances also loved to read and stay up to date on current events and politics. Everyone who knew her knew that Frances was a fierce and staunch Democrat (we all loved her anyway). Holidays and family gatherings just weren’t the same if there wasn’t at least one spirited political debate. There was never a dull moment. Frances lived a life full of love for her family and her passions, which gave her purpose. She will be dearly missed.
Frances is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Gillis; brother, John Ognoski; sister, Dorothy Kainer (Ognoski); daughter-in-law, Kimberley Gillis; and her granddaughter, Morgaen Gillis.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Cegielski; sons David Gillis and Glen Gillis; grandchildren, Justin Cegielski and wife Kimberly, Mitchell Cegielski and wife Lauren, Darren Gillis and wife Raechelle, Dana Wheeler and husband Bryan, and Chrissy Gillis Dugan; great grandchildren, Avery, Rylen and Landyn Cegielski, Clay and Charlotte Cegielski, Skylar Jordan and Ramsey Gillis, Hudson and Grant Wheeler, Addy, Gentry and Rhett Dugan; siblings, Natalie Ognoski Kaminski, Dolores Ognoski Korenek and her spouse Jody, Virginia Ognoski Conner Rabik, Rose Ognoski.
A celebration of life for Frances will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas.
