Frances Louise Staley, 87, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 7:17 a.m. on June 12, 2024, at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mount Vernon.
She was born August 29, 1936, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Rayburn Martin and Edna Louise (Minor) Hayes. Frances married Ivan Staley on October 21, 1953.
In addition to her beloved husband of nearly seventy-one years, Frances is survived by her children, Susan Davidson and husband, David of Mount Vernon, Jeffery Staley and wife, Debbie of Mount Vernon, Bud Lammers and Pam of Centralia; Karen Wiebler and husband, Bill of Ashley; and Jo Beth Weber and husband, Scott of Mount Vernon,,and; grandchildren, Daniel Davidson and wife, Jen of Tolono, Illinois, Jessica Chang and husband, Justin of Carmel, Indiana, Abbi Reynolds and husband, Brad of Woodlawn, Illinois, Allison Dethrow and husband, Joey of Mount Vernon, Adam Benden of Austin, Texas; Ben Staley and wife, Annie of Mount Vernon, Hannah Jackson and husband, Clay of Louisville, Kentucky, and Thomas Weber and wife, Olivia of New Rochelle, New York; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister Pat Staley and brothers, Tom Hayes and Larry Hayes, all of Mount Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her brother, Rick Hayes.
Frances and her husband, Ivan, were foster parents for 20 children over the course of several years. She was also the neighborhood mom to many children who had difficulties in their homes. She had a heart of gold, loved to laugh, and had the ability to comfort and love many people. More than anything, she loved being a mom and grandmother. Frances took a great interest in her grandchildren and insisted that she would take care of them while their parents worked she took care of all seven of them from birth until they each could drive. She had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. She always had a smile on her face, and a funny story to share. Before Frances became ill, she loved making a Sunday lunch for her children and grandchildren and enjoyed having all of them gathered around her special table. For many years, Frances gathered up the neighborhood children and took them to church and Bible School. Frances was also passionate about books and was an avid reader. She was a member of Connexion Church in Mount Vernon.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:30 am at Hopewell Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend Randy Hayes officiating. Interment will follow. If you prefer, memorials may be made to Jefferson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), who are advocates for foster children, or to Connexion Church Gymnasium Fund. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
