Daughter of Charles Baker and Sallie Watkins, Frances was born on January 5, 1929, in Duncan, Oklahoma, the youngest of two.
Frances and her loving husband of 68 years, Robert (Bob) Milner, met in government class at the University of Oklahoma, where Bob spotted the beautiful 19-year-old at the front of the room. Lucky for Bob, their blind date eventually led to marriage, and they spent that first year as a married couple in a 15-by-15-foot house on campus. Following Bob’s graduation, they lived in many towns and houses across Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, but it was Frances’ loving touch that made each new place a home for their family.
Not only did Frances turn house to home, she built a rich, fulfilling and fun life for her family. The consummate hostess who was always quick to smile, Frances’ energy, charm and love of life also helped the couple make friends quickly and easily in all the places they lived. Their strong network of friendships spanned decades, state lines and interests, from bridge club, to Sunday School, to committees at their church, and the family often joked that you had to get on Frances and Bob’s social calendar early, as it booked up quickly.
She was the heart behind all family gatherings, building traditions and memories for her children and grandchildren through every Christmas dinner, holiday and birthday gathering, slumber party and cocktail party she hosted.
At only 4’7”, her heart held more love for family than you would have thought possible. She was the perfect mixture of pure class and fun and one of the strongest and most resilient people her family has ever known.
Frances was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Robert Milner, and is survived by her daughter Terry Kelly and her husband Allen; daughter Linda Davis and her husband Steve; grandchildren: Brett, Jennifer, Brandy and Amy; and five great-grandchildren. They, along with many more family and friends, will cherish their memories of Frances, the love she constantly showed and the lasting impact she made in their lives.
A Celebration of Frances’ Life will take place on Saturday, January 13, at 10:30am at Kingwood United Methodist Church and be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choosing.
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