Frances K. Lenox

Frances K. Lenox loving mother, grandmother and aunt, 89, passed away August 4, 2010 at McKee Hospital. Frances was born July 18, 1921 at the ranch home 20 miles northeast of Sugar City, Colorado to Ivan and Jeannetta Klingensmith. She graduated from Ordway High School in 1939 and then attended Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado, graduating in 1943. She taught school one year at Red Cliff, Colorado, and then returned to Western State College where she was Secretary to the President for four years. February 20, 1946, she married Francis J. Lenox in Gunnison, Colorado. They bought a business in Vernal, Utah, and moved there in 1948. To this union a daughter, Elaine Marie, was born. The couple later divorced. While in Vernal she worked as secretary and accountant to attorneys, realtors, auto dealers, and Uintah School District. She then was appointed Clerk to the Board of Education, School Business Official and Purchasing Agent for Uintah School District. Sixteen years was spent in that capacity. From there she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, as Financial Specialist for Utah State Office of Education. After 18 years in that position she retired. During the 34 years with Uintah School District and Utah State Office of Education she was active in the International Association of School Business Officials and Utah Association of School Business Officials. With the International Association she served on various committees and with the Utah Association she served as president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer. Not only did she attend many state and international conventions she was one of 20 selected to represent the United States and Canada in Russia and China, visiting with their school officials and schools. Frances was active in the various churches she belonged to during her life time. She sang in the choirs, was treasurer, recorder of financial accounts, greeter, head usher, Elder, communion leader, volunteer, and served on various committees. She was also active in community and civic affairs. She belonged to the Women of the Moose and moved through all the chairs. The American Legion Auxiliary was also important to her. She held all the offices locally and served on state committees. The organization she was most active in was the Business and Professional Women's Club. On the local level she held all offices, was District Director, and on the state level was Treasurer, First Vice President, President, Past President, and Parliamentarian. She was appointed by the national president to serve as National Personal Development Chairman. This required several trips to Washington, D.C. to attend board meetings. One such meeting was particularly outstanding to her. Madame Chiang-Kai-Sheik from china was the guest. An open house was held in her honor, and all participants had the privilege of meeting her and having pictures taken with her. Frances was honored to receive a personal invitation from Madame requesting Frances to be her guest at her table that evening at the banquet. As national representative she attended several different state conventions. Travel was an enjoyable part of her life. She covered most of the United States, Hawaii and Alaska, including Canada, Russia, China, Mexico, Bavaria, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France. December 1, 1992, she moved to Loveland, Colorado from Salt Lake City, Utah to be near her family. They always came first, and she enjoyed being with them as much as possible. Reading, cross word puzzles, computer, and watching sports on television were her favorite pass times. After her retirement she wanted to keep active and be with people, so she volunteered at McKee Medical Center and Trinity United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William Klingensmith, sister-in-law Mabel Klingensmith, sister Margaret Barz, and brother-in-law Maurice Barz. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Jim Jones, granddaughter and husband, Michelle and Joey Valdez, great granddaughter Teresa Valdez, step grandsons, Corey Jones, Nick Jones, great grandson Daniel Jones, step granddaughter and husband Renee and Kristain Imbrock, great grandson Liam Imbrock, niece Caroleen Hitchins, Dewey, Arizona, nephews Ronald Hare and wife Donna, Spokane, WA, Kenneth Hare and wife Sandy, Arvada, CO and other nieces and nephews and cousins. Also very special friends at McKee Medical Center. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2010 at Allnutt Funeral Service. The funeral service is at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 10 at Allnutt Funeral Service with Pastor Matt Krier officiating. Cremation will follow services. Memorial contributions may be made to McKee Medical Center Foundation, Trinity United Methodist Church, Western State College Foundation or Pathways Hospice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service.