Frances Elizabeth Criner

Frances Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Criner peacefully passed away at her home, Friday, October 4, 2024 at the age of 80. She was born on April 26, 1944 in St. Louis, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elizabeth Fitzgerald of Coffeyville, KS, sister Eleanor Caulfied of Warsaw, MO and her granddaughter, Taylor Elizabeth Ringo of Kingwood.

Frances is survived by her loving husband Bill, sister Catherine O’Harra and husband Dave of Elmore, AL, daughter Cathy Avery and husband Kent of Plano, daughter Annie Gosney and husband Doug of Kingwood and Susie Ringo and husband Steve of Kingwood. She considered her grandchildren her greatest blessings - Kelsey Morrison and husband Mason, Katelyn Avery, Gabe, Nick and Max Gosney, and Jack and Evan Ringo and one great grandchild Caden Morrison.

Frances grew up in Coffeyville, KS, and graduated with honors from Coffeyville High School in 1962. She met Bill while he attended Coffeyville Junior College, and they married on January 27, 1963, in Coffeyville. Frances also graduated with honors from Coffeyville Junior College shortly before the birth of their first daughter, Cathy.

Frances and Bill moved to Bartlesville, OK, when Bill began working at Phillips Petroleum. Over the next few years, they welcomed two more daughters, Annie and Susie. Frances was active in the community, enjoying square dancing, bridge clubs, and golf. She volunteered at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church of Bartlesville, contributing to both adult and children’s Sunday School, as well as serving as the youngest elder on the Session.

Frances and Bill moved to Broken Arrow, OK in 1978 on a transfer with Phillips Petroleum company. Frances was an active volunteer at the local hospital, volunteered as a girl scout leader and played an integral part of all of her daughters activities/sports. They were active members of First Methodist Church of Broken Arrow where she was involved with the youth group and served as a deacon of the church. In Broken Arrow, she enjoyed golf, bridge group and supper club. She spent many a day at the Indian Springs Country Club - proudly winning the 9 hole ladies club champion award - her daughters have fond memories of time spent at the club!

There was a short 6 month move to Denver, CO in 1980 with Phillips. The family moved back to Broken Arrow later that year with a company job change for Bill, eventually transitioning to Ferrellgas. Frances and the girls were so happy to move back! Frances didn’t miss a beat and rejoined all of her activities.

In 1988, Frances and Bill (and Susie) made their final move to Kingwood, TX. Once again, Frances immersed herself in her new community, joining The First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood and serving on the Session 2 separate times, as well as joining several bridge and gourmet/supper groups. She also became active in Kingwood Country Club, where she made 2 holes-in-one! Through a golf acquaintance, Frances found out about an opportunity to be a volunteer EMT and ambulance driver and pursued the required training to become certified. She eventually worked part-time as a dispatcher until the dreaded annexation of Kingwood in 1996. She continued providing free CPR training courses for the Kingwood community for several years after.

In 2020, she became a member of P.E.O. which she dearly loved & cherished the relationships she built. Additionally, Frances was a board member with Hi Neighbors and volunteered her time at Family Time women's shelter as well as serving in the Hannah Women’s circle.

During Frances and Bill’s 61 year marriage, they had the opportunity to explore the world together! Their international adventures included visits to Greece, Italy, and Russia, among other destinations. They also enjoyed a cruise to Alaska and multiple European river cruises including the Rhine & Danube. Frances' favorite trip was to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan with the Traveling Presbyterians. But more than anything, she truly cherished traveling with her family. She coordinated & planned many Disney trips to Florida and eventually, Hawaii. These trips, the most recent being July 2024 in Vero Beach, FL, included all 18 members of the growing family. She enjoyed each and every vacation, creating incredible treasured memories for everyone of time spent together.

Those who knew Frances well, fondly remember her as a loyal friend who cared deeply for others. Her commitment to her friendships made everyone feel loved and important. Her family will always remember her as a loving & caring wife, mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “In Honor of Frances Criner” to:

Family Time

Family Time (familytimefoundation.org)

P.E.O. Chapter JE - Lois Cartwright Texas Fund

Checks mailed to: Mary Hentges

3722 Clover Valley Dr., Kingwood, TX 77345

First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood - “Mission Trips”

First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood (firstpreskingwood.org)

Houston Area Ministries

HAAM Social Services – Essential social and community services for Northeast Houston (haamministries.org)