Frances K. Highsmith, 85, of Las Cruces, died Friday May 18, 2012. Fran, as she was fondly known, was born Aug. 10, 1926 in Baker, Oregon to Otis and Frieda Hickman. She had been a member of Sonoma Springs Covenant Church where she taught Sunday School to children between the ages of 3 and 5. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, CryptoQuip, WordJumble, Scrabble, playing cards, and game shows on television. Fran had been very active in the Red Cross, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, but her passion was her family and her dachshunds, Danke and Bitte. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her family: her loving husband of 63 years, Ret. Lt. Col. Robert M. Highsmith of the family home; sons Robert A. Highsmith and wife Joni and Marshall Highsmith and wife Cindy, all of Las Cruces; daughter Daryl Grazia and husband Bob of Las Cruces; brother Roy Hickman and his wife Cretha of Norman, OK; sister Dolores Richmond and sister-in-law Sue Hickman both of Odessa, TX; grandchildren Leslie, Dylan, Lisa, Ryan, Robert, Ericka, Rachel and Tom; great-grandchildren Tanner, Conner, Seth, Megan, Tommy, Michael, Ianna and Isabella. Fran is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Darrell Hickman and brother-in-law Keith Richmond. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Getz Funeral Home. Funeral Services to celebrate her life will be at 10 am on Friday, May 25, 2012 at Sonoma Springs Covenant Church with Rev. Timothy Smith officiating, Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The honor of being a pallbearer goes to members of Fran’s family and cherished friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
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