Jan. 23, 1910 - Jan. 8, 2013

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. - Frances R. Proper, 102, of Eagle Lake, Edwardsburg, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Emeritus at Arborwood of Granger, Ind.

She was born Jan. 23, 1910, in Penn Township, Cass County, to Lyman Ayers and Rosa (Boughton) Ayers.

Frances graduated from Cassopolis High School in Cassopolis as valedictorian of her class. She attended Western Michigan Teachers College and taught in the rural schools of Cass County. She later received her four-year degree in teaching and taught at Edwardsburg Public Schools.

She was a member of Eastern Star for more than 80 years and a longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Elkhart, where she taught an adult Sunday school class for many years. She was a member of the Monday Evening Club. She helped raise funds for the Cass County Council on Aging building in Cassopolis. She was a charter member of the Edwardsburg Historical Museum. She was also a member of Edwardsburg Hope United Methodist Church.

On Aug. 14, 1936, Frances married Harley B. Proper, who preceded her in death in July 1994.

Survivors include two daughters, Sally (John) Dalrymple of Niles and Sara (Robert) Platz of Frederick, Md.; four grandchildren, Sheryl (Michael) Smith, Jill (Richard) Anderson, Susan Fraga and David (Brittany) Platz; and seven great-grandchildren, Sean Smith, Alyssa and Blake Anderson, Briana and Manuela Fraga and Benjamin and Christopher Platz.

One sister, Ruth Miller, preceded Frances in death.

Family and friends may gather from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg, where the Edwardsburg Order of Eastern Star will have a memorial service at 7 p.m. The service of remembrance will be at noon Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at Hope United Methodist Church, where family and friends may gather for one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be the Rev. Jeff Reese, pastor of the church, assisted by Frances' grandson-in-law, Pastor Michael Smith of Hope Community Church, Niles.

Burial will follow at Adamsville Cemetery, next to her late husband.

Memorial donations may be made to Hope United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 624, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0624. Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

Catherine Koziatek, Mishawaka, IN My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry that I was unable to attend tonight's visitation and won't be able to attend the service Saturday, as I am officiating at another service at the same time. Frances was a role model and an inspiration through her faith and intellect. I am glad I got to know her as her pastor while I served Bethel UMC. Pastor Catherine

Phyllis Schuelke, Edwardsburg, MI What a wonderful lady as I sit by her in church the last few months & I enjoyed talking w/her and sure missed seeing her when she moved. God Bless your family & I know she will be missed so much. She has to be enjoying heaven now.

Lamar&Linda Haney, Cullowhee, NC We have such fond memories of Frances and her sweet attitude and kindnesss. Her approach to life was an example to so many people. We appreciate the opportunity we had to learn from her, and share her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God bless each of you.

Vicki Barrett, Elkhart, IN I knew Frances from Elkhart Women's Connection. She was a very sweet lady that left a good impression on everyone. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know her. She has left a good testimony for her family. God Bless.

Richard Kidder, Elkhart, IN My coondolences to a wonderful family. Harley and Francis and their girls were a tremendous blessing to me in my formative years. Many, many years of teaching school and helping to guide young lives will leave a legacy for others to follow for years to come. What a wonderful place heaven must be. Rest, now, sweet lady. Rest in The Lord.