Frances A. Stovall

Frances A. Stovall was born in Roundup, Montana, December 6, 1922, the daughter of Anna and Nicholas Vranish, Croatian immigrants who came to work in the coal mines of Montana in 1920, her mother working as a practical nurse after the early death of her father. Frances attended schools in Roundup and started her piano studies in the local parochial school. She was gifted as a pianist, organist, and trumpet player, which led to her receiving a scholarship to attend the University of Montana in Missoula and later studying at Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree, moved to Forsyth, Montana where she was a high school band director. There she met the love of her life, Bill Stovall, a young petroleum engineer from Lubbock, Texas. They were married, had five children, and settled in Casper in 1950. Both were devoted to their family and church life at St. Anthony's in Casper.

Besides raising and loving five children, Frances was also an organist for periods of time at St. Anthony Church in Casper. She took great care and pride in contributing her talents to the choir. Mother was also a proficient seamstress, refinished furniture, pursued gardening, studied millinery, was a den mother, knitted sweaters, and was active at St. Anthony's school with her children. We each lovingly remember mother reminding us to practice and coaching us whether it was the piano, clarinet, accordion, bass, or trombone.
Frances' excellent business sense and mathematical skills led her to become an active partner with Bill in managing Wyoming Mud Company and later Stovall Oil Company in Casper.

"Mama Fran", as she was affectionately known to all of her grandchildren, left a rich legacy of joy, love, compassion, dedication to family, resilience, perseverance, hard work, faith and love of God. We will fondly recall her sense of humor and the fact that she could dance till she dropped and was the last one standing at wedding receptions and always game for more action, up to the very end of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and two sons, Nick and Steve and her brother Joe Vranish. She is survived by her children: Carol and Dan Haubenreiser of Eugene,OR, Mary and Craig Dallas of Casper, and John and Sia Stovall of Lincoln,MA. In addition, she leaves behind seven grandchildren: Jill Rutherford, Mark Haubenreiser, Jennifer O'Donnell, Traci Wilson, Katie Dallas, Annie Stovall, and Christian Stovall, and two great grandchildren, Lane and Lance Rutherford.

We wish to express our appreciation to the wonderful staff at Meadow Winds for the excellent care of our mother.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held 7:00 PM, Friday, February 19, 2016, at Newcomer Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with interment to follow at Highland Cemetery. Following the burial a reception will be held at the Casper Petroleum Club. Memorials in Frances' name may be made to the St. Anthony's Tri-Parish School, 1145 W 20th Street, Casper, WY 82604 or the charity of your choice.

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