Ethel Arlene (Springer) Frank was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 11, 1951. Throughout her life, her passion for spreading Christ's love was exuded through her selfless acts of service. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ethel entered into her heavenly reward at age 63 on March 1, 2015.
She attended Bartlesville Wesleyan College and Bethany Nazarene College, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education. On August 11, 1972, Ethel was married to Ray Frank. Her love, support, and dedication as a wife is evidenced by their 42 years of marriage. In the ensuing two decades, she served with Ray in three pastorates (Thorton, CO, Tempe, AZ, and Desert Hills, AZ.)
Ethel had stated that her dream, even as a little girl, was to have children of her own and to be a loving mother and homemaker. Her dream came to fruition with the birth of her daughter in 1975 and then her son in 1979. She selflessly devoted herself to the raising of her children as a stay-at-home mother throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Over the years Ethel served as administrative assistant in various ministry settings, including multiple departments at Orangewood Church of the Nazarene. Her passions for children and serving other culminated in her 13 years of work at Starlight Park Elementary school. Here she found supreme joy, fulfillment, and purpose in lovingly serving both students and staff on a daily basis. In her 14-month battle with cancer, one of the most difficult challenges for her was being away from the work and people she loved at Starlight.
Perhaps Ethel's longest running ministry to others was her ongoing involvement in the church music. Beginning in childhood, she shared her musical gifts with congregations most weekends of her life by singing, playing piano and organ, and creating music arrangements. She served as Director of Music at Prescott Church of the Nazarene in the mid 90's and for more than a decade served in many roles within the music ministry at Sun City Church of the Nazarene, including pianist, accompanist, and member of the R.E.D. Trio. Over the many years her musical artistry and willingness to share her talents has touched countless people.
Ethel is survived by her husband, Ray Frank, of Phoenix, her daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Duncan Barker, of Glasgow, Scotland, her son and daughter-in-law, Lowell Frank and Elizabeth Warn of California, her parents-in-law, Raymond and Mary Ellen Frank of Colorado Spring, CO, her brother, Keith Springer of Marion, IN, her sister, Faye Lopez of Taylors, SC, 3 nieces, 3 nephews, and her beloved grandson, Reuben Barker, of Glasgow, Scotland. she was predeceased by her parents, Glenn and Flora Maude Springer.
Ethel was deeply devoted to her faith, her family and her friends. As a young child she put her trust in Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully throughout her life. Through her battle with cancer, the anticipation of a life in heaven have her great hope and comfort. A passage of scripture that became a theme for her was Isaiah 12:2, "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Agape fund at Sun City Church of the Nazarene or to Alliance Defending Freedom.
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