Frances C. Choate

Frances C. Choate

Frances C. Choate, 85, of Charleston, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, while at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.  

Funeral services were at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, with the Rev. Janice Kahl officiating.   

A committal service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Anna Cemetery in Anna.

Memorials can be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church summer camp fund or to the International Chapter PEO Sisterhood and can be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, Ill. 61920.

She was born on Jan. 27, 1933, in Anna, a daughter of the late Harold P. and Hazel Jones Waller.  

She married Murray Choate on Oct. 4, 1952, and they were blessed with 66 years of marriage.  

In addition to her husband, she is survived by their son, Rick Choate and wife Virginia of Charleston; four grandchildren, Aden, Isaac, Simon and Hannah Choate; two brothers, Richard Waller and wife Lois of Evansville, Wis., and Phillip Waller and wife Joyce of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; along with several nieces, nephews and their families.  

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Martha Jean Riggs and Mary Helen Conder.

Fran (Sancie) was a graduate of Janesville High School Class of 1951.  She went on to attend Eastern Illinois University, earning a bachelor of science  degree in education and a master of science degree in education with honors.  

She began a 25-year teaching career in Mattoon. She was named teacher of the year for Mattoon Public Schools and was Coles County teacher of the year and Illinois teacher of the year runner-up.  She retired from her teaching career and continued as a substitute teacher.  

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, as well as numerous professional organizations, including PEO and Order of the Eastern Star.  

Her membership at the Charleston Country Club allowed her to enjoy the sport of golf and she was also an avid bridge player.  

She traveled extensively throughout her life both professionally and at leisure. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Eastern Illinois University Foundation and the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, and a financial supporter of Rotary Gardens in Janesville, Wis.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
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