Frances Lee Sheckler

Frances Lee Sheckler

Charles City

Frances Lee Sheckler, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023, while holding her husband’s hand at 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home, in Charles City, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

A memorial service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with the Certified Celebrant, Cindi McKee officiating. Inurnment to follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of Reflection.

Frances Lee Grandy was born on Oct. 5, 1933, in Toledo, Ohio, to Rev. Kenneth and Loretta (Jaynes) Grandy. Her father’s ministry moved the family several times, to include Ohio and Montana. To attend high school in Rockford, Ohio, Frances lived with and helped another family, seeing her family on the weekends. She attended Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Ill., majoring in finance and was known for her attention to detail. At Olivet she caught the eye of James Sheckler while working at the ice cream parlor. During their courtship, they would catch dinner after her shift and he would walk her home. The couple married Aug. 14, 1954, in Lima, Ohio. Frances followed Jim to Kansas City, Mo., where he attended seminary, then to Lubbock, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, and finally settling in Gravity, Iowa, and Prairie City, Iowa. When Jim changed careers to teaching, she followed him to Bettendorf. In 2000, they retired to Marion and in 2017, they moved to Charles City to be closer to family. The couple were blessed with three children.

Frances was a member of five chapters of PEO: AV, GW, MW, HJ, and KJ. She held every office and thoroughly enjoyed her 50-plus year membership; to include serving as delegate to the International Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. She was always involved in her Methodist Church.

Frances is remembered for her smile and pleasant disposition; her amazing homemade pies; appreciation of coffee and fondness for reading; and her devotion to her beloved husband James.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, James Sheckler; son, Dr. Kenneth (Ellen) Sheckler of Charles City; daughter, Risë Sheckler of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren, Harrison Sheckler of Tucson, Ariz.; Emma Sheckler of Mason City, Iowa; and KayLee (Wesley) Wheeler of Garland, Texas.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Loretta Grandy; sister, Barbara Bolinger; brother, Lawrence Grandy; and daughter, Retha Marie Sheckler.

The family is thankful to 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home for their kind care of Frances over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.