Frances Lillian Whitt

Frances Lillian (Vanover) Whitt was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She peacefully left this world on December 3, 2021 at the age of 107 years, 3 months, and 5 days.

Frances was born in rural Gallatin, Missouri to George Thomas and Janettie Alice (Hoyle) Vanover on August 28, 1914.  She was the sixth child of seven children, all of whom preceded her in death.

On January 3, 1932 Frances married Clyde M. Jackson.  To this Union five children were born, four of which preceded her in death as well as her husband Clyde in 1961.

Frances had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her life.  On January 21, 1963 she married Elmer Scott Whitt.  Frances first met Elmer in 1962 when he purchased the first of many Restaurants.  It was “Love at First Sight” and for the remainder of their time together she worked alongside Elmer every step of the way. 

The simplest of pleasures brought joy to Frances.  Being with family always came first.  Working in the garden, canning, planting flowers, selling Avon, working late hours during snow storms and visiting with everyone.  She was renowned for her cooking and baking skills.  Everyone in and around Daviess County knew they would have plenty of homemade delicious food to eat at the Dinner Bell Café.  She will be missed by people of many generations.

Frances is survived by daughter-Shirley June Hancock, Sioux City, Iowa; Grandchildren-Tony (Christy) Josta, Homer, Nebraska; Jeannie Franklin; Linda (Keith) Munter; Heidi (Matt) Montgomery, Sioux City, Iowa; and Jenny (Matthew) Handlos, Omaha, Nebraska; 11 Grandchildren; 21 Great-Grandchildren; 18 Great-Great Grandchildren; Beloved Nieces and Nephews; Great and Great-Great Nephews and Nieces.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Frances are her parents-Tom and Nettie Vanover; brothers-Edward, Russell, and Lloyd Vanover; sisters-Mary Keleher Ruby Ramsbottom and Mid Welch; husbands-Clyde Jackson and Elmer Whitt; Children-Frances Lucille Jackson-Patsy Clydene Graves-Marvin Lloyd Jackson and Danny Jay Jackson; Great Grandchildren- Anthony C. Josta, April Ann Josta, and Johnathan Munter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Active Aging Resource Center in care of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, December 11th, 2021, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Friends may call after 9 AM Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Greenwood Cemetery in Gallatin. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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