Shirley Frank, 76

July 10, 1943 —

April 24, 2020

 

DEARBORN, MICH. - Shirley Ann (Stevenson) Frank, age 76, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, returned to her eternal home on April 24, 2020 in Dearborn, Mich., after a hard battle against COVID-19. 

Public services will be scheduled at a later time pending the safe return to public gatherings. The family has established a scholarship to support post-secondary endeavors of the youth in the Warrensburg, Mo. area. In lieu of flowers, contributions and condolences can be made to the Frank Family Achievement Scholarship ℅ Anne Bott 200 SW 400th Rd Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Shirley was the first of five children born to Charles and Alice (Opat) Stevenson of Elma, Iowa on July 10, 1943. Growing up, she helped her mother in the home but felt most connected shadowing the quiet and generous ethic instilled by her father out on the family farm. 

She attended a local one-room school house for kindergarten through eighth graders and then graduated from Crestwood High School in 1961 in Cresco, Iowa. She later attended cosmetology school with her sister-in-law and eventually taught the craft in order to help support her family and her husband’s college education. Shirley uniquely embodied rugged, rural-life work ethic with a beauty queen gentleness. 

She married Omer Frank, also of Elma, at Lourdes Catholic Church in August 1963. She traveled with him to numerous colleges (Iowa State University, Central Missouri Teachers College and the University of Salt Lake) as he pursued his higher education before they settled in Warrensburg, Mo. to raise their family. 

Shirley’s entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness led her to a long career in the resale of antiques, fabric/sewing supplies and other oddities. She could always be found at “Those Were the Days” resale shop working her booth. She found great joy in interacting with her friends from the shop and her customers. Her innovative nature and resourcefulness drove her to fix even the most broken purchases back to new. She loved working with her customers, listening to their ideas and developing a solution. She retired from her business in 2014 but never lost her drive for a good deal or a unique find. 

By far, Shirley’s greatest source of joy was her family. She was the foundational strength in each of her children’s lives, devoting countless hours in support and prayer. Imparting her faith and humble spirit, she taught each of her children to see the beauty in the broken and the potential in the items long forgotten. 

Her infectious smile and sense of humor brought light to every situation. Her unique perspective brought clarity to uncertainty. Her generous heart was always willing to help those in need. The legacy of unconditional love and devotion she planted in her children years ago continues to blossom and spread in the lives of her grandchildren.

Rest well, dear mother. Our hearts ache deeply in your absence, but we will carry your teachings forward. 

Shirley’s living legacy includes her children, Scott (Tina) Frank of Portland Ore., Randy (Holly) Frank of Dearborn, Steve (Staci) Frank of Dearborn and Anne (Robert) Bott of Warrensburg. She has 10 adoring and talented grandchildren who carry her values, Natalie, Sydney, Kaitlyn, Lexi, Charlie, Madelyn, Morgan, Matthew, Jacob and Zachary; and four beloved siblings, Kathy (Jack) Barloon of Decorah, Iowa, Larry (Deanna) Stevenson of Decorah, Mary Ellen (Tom) Vachta of Cresco and Chuck (Tammy) Stevenson of Elma. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews and godchildren planted all across the country. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alice Stevenson, and her husband, Omer Frank on Jan. 8, 2020.

Arrangements by Hackett-Metcalf Funeral Home. www.hackettmetcalf.com