Frances M. Williamson, passed away at age 88, on July 3, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love and care of her family. She was born to parents Edward Handke and Emma M. (Speer) Handke on May 31, 1938, in Oak Mills, KS. She began her education at the District #74 School until eight grade and is a 1955 graduate of Atchison County Community High School.
Frances married George Kramer on July 4, 1956, and they began building their life on the farm welcoming five children. George passed on April 11, 1977. She later married Robert Williamson on November 26, 1983, and shared sixteen years with him until his passing on July 31, 1999.
She served as a bus driver for USD 377 for 24 years until she chased her true passion of horticulture or as she described it, playing in the dirt. Frances worked for a few garden centers and wrapped up her employment years at Leupold’s.
Frances’ life was filled with many things that brought her joy. She loved visits from her family, especially enjoying their many holiday traditions. Even as her family grew to more than 50 members, she still took special care to make sure each one had Christmas gifts under her tree. She was lovingly called Grandma Frannie by her grandkids and many others by extension. Anyone who knew her can agree that Frances had many special talents, including decorating her home for the holidays, creating custom wreaths and beautiful bows, and working with flowers. Outside of her family and hobbies, she enjoyed playing dominoes with friends and taking trips to the casino.
Frances is survived by her children Becky (Dan) Hawk, Kathy (Larry) Scott, Jackie Nolan, Ed (Melissa) Kramer, Lisa (David) Swendson; her brother Robert Handke; as well as 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Handke; sisters, Erma Bolick, Adella Handke, June (John) Kautz; and sister-in-law Frances Handke.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Frances’s life with a visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Bob Flack as officiant. She will be laid to rest at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation, St. Croix Hospice or Atchison Humane Society in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.
