Frances Marie Sims

Born in 1923, Frances grew up and came of age during the Great Depression. Her parents, Madge and Bernie Poehler, were lifelong residents of Kansas City. Frances stayed connected to her hometown through her childhood friends, female classmates with whom she attended grade school at St. Francis Xavier parish, keeping in touch for the rest of their lives. She met Paul R. Sims at a USO event after WWII and they were married in December 1946. After raising their three children in Kansas City and Chicago, Frances began a career in banking. With only a high school education and a great deal of native talent, she rose to be an Assistant Vice President Private Banking of BMO Harris. In the 1970s, Frances and Paul moved to the 55th floor of the John Hancock building in Chicago. They both reveled in the big city life: walking to work, attending daily Mass at the cathedral, and patronizing the many lively restaurants and stores on Michigan Avenue. They traveled the world, taking famous modes of transportation like the QEII, the Concord and the Orient Express.

In retirement, Paul and Frances moved to Fontana, WI and took up golf, spent time with their granddaughters and enjoyed small town life. In 1996, they moved to Liberty, MO to be closer to family where Frances took to reading and volunteering at Liberty Hospital. Paul passed away in 2003.

Frances, known as Pank to her family, is survived by her children, Margaret “Johnny” Pickett of Pagosa Springs, CO, Judy Sims of Shawnee, KS, and John (Elsa) Sims of Poteet, TX, as well as her beloved granddaughters Kate (Ryan) McNair and Emma Hall both of Kansas City, MO. Handy and helpful, Frances treasured her sons-in-law, Terry Pickett and Greg Hall, who were so attentive to her, her daughters and her granddaughters. She was blessed with wonderful nieces M. J. Poehler of Kansas City, MO, Carol Poehler and Ann Poehler of Prairie Village, KS, Kathy Ostrander of Platte City, MO and Martha Poehler of Cambridge, MA who were constant and caring presences in her life. The cornerstone of family traditions and celebrations, Frances will be lovingly remembered by friends and family. Frances was kind and giving, but most of all she will be remembered as a strong woman who raised, praised and inspired all of the strong women in her family.

The family wants to thank the staff at the Santa Marta Retirement Community for their care, compassion and smiles over the last four years. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Santa Marta Associate Appreciation Fund.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Santa Marta Chapel, 13800 W. 116th Street, Olathe, KS. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.