Frances Hayes Eccles

Frances Rawlins Hayes Eccles, 86, died at the home of her daughter of causes incident to age on December 31, 2004. Frances was born November 28, 1918, in Lewiston Utah, the town her ancestors pioneered. She was the middle of the five children of Clement Lewis and Gertrude Smith Rawlins. She was born during the deadliest influenza epidemic the U. S. has ever seen which caused her family to fear for her life, but her spunk served her well then and throughout the rest of her life.

Frances was born to move: she loved horses, doll buggies but not dolls, roller-skating, dancing, and anything with wheels, including her Thunderbird. She was competitive, enjoyed bridge, and playing games with her family. Independent and adventurous, she was frequently reprimanded for wandering far from home. She developed a passion for reading early on and never lost it.

Frances graduated from North Cache High School and Utah State University where she participated in many organizations including Kappa Delta and student government. She was an active member of the LDS Church.

She married Charles Hayes in 1942 and moved often throughout the U.S. due to his government job. They had two children, Charles and Stephanie, and divorced in 1957. Frances returned to Utah and taught school in Salt Lake until her retirement in 1982. In 1965, she married Stewart B. Eccles,who died in 1999. She was involved in the lives of his three children, Blaine, Geraldine Ed Huber, and Patsy Barnes and their 18 children.

Frances is survived by her two children: Charles Johanna Hayes, Atlanta, GA. and Stephanie Gary Hullinger, Salt Lake. She was a ‘fun’ grandma to Charles Hayes, London, England, and Christine Daniel Kotkin, Atlanta, GA., Angela Frances David Hiller and Timothy Katie Hullinger, Bountiful.

Grannie Frannie adored her great-grandchildren: Timothy, Hayes, and Max Hiller; and Savannah and Faith Kotkin.

Frances’ baby sister, Dixie William Linn, Elkridge UT, is the last surviving sibling. She was preceded in death by her parents, Auntie Fern, beloved sister Berness; brothers Clem and Sydney; and husband, Stewart ,

In accordance with her wishes, she will be inurned next to her parents in the ‘most beautiful valley in the world,’ in Lewiston. In honor a celebration will be held from 1-4 pm, Saturday, January 22, 2005 at the home of Tim Hullinger, 3388 South 675 West, Bountiful UT. If you would like further information, please call 801-633-2184 or e-mail hullinger@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a children’s charity or reading program. Online guest book and directional maps available at www.russonmortuary.com.