Frances "Fran" Hayworth Obituary (1916 - 2018)

Frances "Fran" Hayworth (101) passed into the loving arms of her Savior and Lord on Saturday, January 20, 2018, assured in the knowledge of her salvation and of eternal life in Heaven with her loved ones. Her funeral will be at 11:00 am Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington with Dr. Ralph Wingate officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Memorials: Calvary Baptist Church or charity of the donor's choice. Fran was born on April 25, 1916 in Richland Center, Wisconsin to Kenneth and Mabel Henry Berkshire. She attended school in her hometown, continuing her education at Richland County Normal, a teachers college. She taught in a one-room rural schoolhouse for three terms, leaving her teaching career to marry Richard L. Hayworth on June 8, 1937 in Freeport, Illinois. Richard passed away on June 23, 1997. All Fran ever wanted in life was to be a good wife and mother and she made this goal her life's work, excelling in this role. After her daughters were almost grown, she began a new career in 1959 as a dental assistant for Dr. Clifford Sperry in Normal, Illinois. Fran loved the job and especially the opportunity to make new friends in the community. She retired in 1978. Because Fran loved doing both the Lord's work and teaching, she taught Sunday School for many years, beginning at the young age of 15. After her marriage and her children were in school, Fran hosted the KYB (Know Your Bible) Club in her home for many years, where many neighborhood children attended. She also assisted with the Sunbeam class at Calvary Baptist, a special ministry for the disabled. Volunteering at BroMenn Hospital after her retirement allowed Fran to bring comfort to the families in ICU and the Surgical Waiting Room. Frances and Richard were charter members of Calvary Baptist Church in Normal and attended there until their deaths. Survivors: daughters: Karen (Gerald) LaVoie, Deborah (Amy Adelman) Walker and Janice (Earl) Grim. Grandchildren include Brian (Pamela) LaVoie, Sara (Reid) Shadday, Marc (Diann) Grim and Jacqueline (Fiance Bud Scott) Curtis. She leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Her family was her life and she loved them dearly. In addition to her husband and parents, Fran was preceded in death by her sister Miriam Carson, son-in-law James E. Walker, grandson Jeffrey Lindsay and great-grandson, Marcus Grim. The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to all the staff and friends at Heritage Health Normal for the loving care Fran received over the last three years. In addition, they would like to thank Transitions Hospice for their tender and respectful care of Fran in her last days. A cherished lady is now in watching over her family in a very special place in Heaven.