Libby  Francis
d. 2/21/2010

Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Francis, 61, died on Sunday, February 21, 2010, in Falls City, NE of pancreatic cancer.

Elizabeth Vering was born in Concordia, KS on May 18, 1948, the daughter of William Vering and Nola “Polly” Pauline Seamans Vering.  She was married in Salina, KS on July 20, 1966, to Collin Francis, her high school sweetheart.

In 1966, Libby graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Salina, KS.  She later completed college classes at Kansas State University-Salina and Southeast Community College.  With great joy and devotion she worked along side her mother and husband in the antique business for many years.  From 1976 to 1984 she and her husband operated Collin's Antiques in Salina, KS.  From 1985 to 2004 she and her mother operated Highway 4 Antiques in Assaria, KS. She later worked as the Activities Coordinator at Eastview Apartments and as a Para Educator at North Elementary, both in Falls City, NE.  Libby found great satisfaction working with both children and seniors.

In her spare time, Libby enjoyed playing cards and attending flea markets and auctions.  She took delight in spending time with her grandchildren, attending the Cobblestone Festival and other activities in the community.

Libby was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Spirit Lifters, both in Falls City, NE.  Upon moving to Falls City, she and her husband developed a close relationship with Monsignor Roh and other congregants of the church.  Both Libby and her husband managed bingo events for the church.

Libby is survived by her husband, Collin Francis of Falls City, NE, her children, Shannon Francis Simoneau, Erin Francis, both of Kansas City, MO and Colleen Francis and her partner Andrew Nelson, of Philadelphia, PA and her two grandchildren, Lauren and Emma Simoneau, of Kansas City, MO.  Libby is also survived by her siblings, Diana, William and Rebecca and devoted cousin Carol Earl.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack.

On Tuesday, February 23, between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm visitation will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in Falls City, NE.  Monsignor Robert Roh will conduct a rosary at 7:30 pm.

On Wednesday, February 24th, a second visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8^th St. in Salina, between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.  The family will be present between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

On Thursday, February 25th, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9^th St., followed by an internment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, both in Salina, Kansas.  Reception information will be announced at the mass and interment.

Throughout her life Libby valued family, kindness and love most.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Richardson County, Nebraska Cancer Fund.

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