Frances Colpitts

Frances “Fran” Delores Reagh Colpitts died on February 2, 2024 at the age of 96 having lived a full and meaningful life. She was born in High River, Alberta, Canada on a snowy Christmas Day in 1927, and grew up in the small town of Cayley, Alberta. She later moved to Calgary, AB and worked as a reputable secretary which led to employment in Ottawa and London and supported her travel adventures.

She married John “Jack” Colpitts in 1961 where they lived in Libya, England, and Iran before moving to Ontario, Canada and then to Arizona, US. She later reunited with Bill Christofferson and spent many happy years in their homes in Tucson and High River. She was fortunate to travel to over 25 countries, open to learning and exploring. In her nineties, she moved to Birmingham, AL to be closer to her family whom she loved dearly. She adapted to many environments but preferred a white wine to a sweet tea any day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sybil and “Hap” Reagh, infant brother William Leland, sisters Norma Reagh and Shirley Hoyme, husband John Ross Colpitts, life companion Bill Christopherson, nephew David Morton, and great niece Abigail Morton. She is survived by her daughter Kelly Ross-Davis (Andy Parrish), granddaughter Rachel Ross-Davis, grandson Matthew Parrish, sister Bette Morton, niece Lynda Wheeler (Charlie), and cherished nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Fran was generous and hospitable always welcoming family and friends into her home, preparing wonderful meals and hosting entertaining conversations. When she made a good friend, she had them for life. As those she loved often lived in countries or continents far away, she was gifted in sending cards, flowers, and single-spaced letters, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. She was clever, informed, and thoughtful. She was classy yet strived to make others feel comfortable and to laugh. She got her first cell phone at age 80 and was quite savvy at texting and social media as the modern way to stay connected. While each unique, Fran, her daughter, and granddaughter treasured being the “three peas in pod” and sharing in many milestones together.

Next to her bedside, she had this quote, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, and to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

In true form, in lieu of a memorial service, she requested a wine and cheese party. Her resting place will be in the Eagle’s Nest Columbarium in the Highwood Cemetery, High River, AB. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider Doctors Without Borders, https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca or Giffords, https://giffords.org dedicated to saving lives from gun violence.