Memorial services for 85-year old Frances “Fran” Whitney (Tvrs) of Chadron, NE, are Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 11:00 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, NE.
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department. Flowers and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Frances Hettie Whitney (Tvrs) was born May 10, 1938 in Chadron Hospital. She passed away peacefully in Chadron Hospital on October 17th, 2023.
Fran was the second child of Benjamin H Whitney and Elizabeth Margaret Ann Whitney (Elsberry). She was born on her Aunt Francis Schildhauer’s 21st birthday, so they named her after her Aunt Frances. Her older brother David was excited to be a big brother.
Fran was raised on her family farm south of Hay Springs, attended the Banner School, then graduated from Hay Springs High School. In 1955, she met Richard (Dick) Tvrs. They dated and then were married on March 4, 1956.
Dick joined the Army and the couple moved to Camp Hanford, in Richland, WA. After his Army service, the family moved to San Diego, CA.
The couple had three children: Robert, Teresa and Jane. They raised the children in Santee, were active in their church, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. They made many lifelong friends and enjoyed camping with their friends, but returned to the Midwest in 1975 to be closer to their families.
In the late 80’s, Fran returned to Chadron and found love again with Chuck Arthur. They settled just outside of Chadron. Chuck & Fran enjoyed dancing, camping, fishing, gardening, traveling and visits to the grandkids.
Fran had many careers during her life. She was a lifelong learner, always challenging herself and succeeding. Fran loved to garden, spoil her pets, camp, and spend time with family. She was always so proud of her children and grandchildren.
Fran was preceded in death by Richard Tvrs, brother David Whitney, daughter Sandra Moore of Fullerton, NE, son Robert Tvrs of Tioga, TX , and grandchildren Beth Ann Gordon and Lewis Gordon III of Virginia Beach, VA.
Fran is survived by Charles (Chuck) Arthur of Chadron, daughter Teresa Tvrs James of Escondido, CA, sister Jane Gordon (Lewis II) of Virginia Beach, VA, daughter-in-law Jan Sutherland Tvrs of Tioga, TX, granddaughter Whitney Plotkin (Casey), grandson Nicholas James (Fernanda), granddaughter Lacey Covey (Johnny) of Hemingford, NE, granddaughter Mischelle Little (Jody) and grandson Benjamin of Oregon and great-grandchilden.
Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Frances Whitney.