The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Francis (Frances) Miller Ewing passed away on November 16, 2021 at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home with family at her side. Frances was born at Black Coulee in Malta, MT on August 24, 1922, the oldest of five children born to Paul and Mabel Miller. She spent her early years in Malta before moving to the family farm west of Chinook. Frances graduated from Chinook High School in 1942. She married Charles Ewing in 1945, and they raised four children in Chinook; Sandra, Ronald, Linda and Nita. They proudly raised their family in houses that Charlie built.

Frances and her mom started cooking for the lunch program at the Meadowlark School in 1955, and she continued working there until the early 1970s. She was well known at the school for her excellent bread baking and adding pizza to the school lunch menu. Her children and oldest grandchildren spent many hours in the Meadowlark kitchen with her, watching and learning.

Frances' husband passed away in 1972, and she continued to support herself with various jobs in Chinook, the last being at E&J Style Shop on Main Street. She worked there until her retirement in 1984, and she continued to provide alteration and seamstress services to many people in Chinook well into her 80s. Frances was a talented seamstress and crafter, and she could often be found at her sewing machine or working on a crochet or knitting project. Her kids and grandkids remember a variety of outfits made for them by Frances, and many friends and family are the proud owners of one of her afghans, potholders or dishrags.

Frances enjoyed a variety of activities in her retirement with her long-time companion, Lawrence Siemens. They traveled to Oregon and California, visited family and friends, went dancing, and played cards. Frances was a fierce card player, teaching her grandkids to play pinochle, rummy and cribbage - and she rarely let them win! Above all, she enjoyed time with her family, and she was always quick to tell people how "proud" she was of all of them. She was affectionately referred to as "Gram" by her grandkids, and she sent hundreds of cards to her grandkids and great-grandkids over the years with this signature (and a few bucks). A visit to Gram's house was sure to include a simple meal, a homemade sweet treat, and a handful of gum drops or jelly beans from her candy dish.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul and sister Beulah; her husband Charles; son Ronald; son-in-law Scott Baldock; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Clarence Beck; and grandsons Matthew Jergeson and Jim Beck. She is survived by her sister Shirley Linabary and brother Lawrence (Sheri) Miller; her daughters, Linda Baldock and Nita (Roger) Jergeson; Sandra's children Penni Beck, Lori Paulsen, and Paula Beck and daughter-in-law Sandy Beck; Linda's children Skyler (Virginia) Baldock, Spencer (Jennifer) Baldock, and Charles (Cindy) Baldock; Nita's children Michael (Eloise) Jergeson and Erin (Pat) Drynan; 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and countless caring friends.

Frances was always quick with a smile, a strong hug, and words of affection for those she met. She spent her last five years at the Sweet Nursing Home, and she enjoyed the company of the other residents and the caring staff. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the nursing home and all her friends and neighbors who cared for her over the years. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00am at the United Methodist Church in Chinook. Internment will take place at a later date. Memorials in Frances' name can be made to the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home or the United Methodist Church.