Marlin Democrat

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Marlin, Falls County, Texas

Frances Jewel (Blasingame) Scheef

December 14, 1917 – June 3, 2009

Frances Jewel Blasingame Scheef left this earth to be with our Lord on June 3, 2009 at age 91.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral at 1101 Antoine in Houston from 5-8 pm on Friday June 5, 2009. Graveside Service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin, Texas on Saturday June 6th at 11 am with Brother Bo Keithley officiating.

Frances was born December 14, 1917 to Jesse Marcus de Lafayette and Isabelle Goelzer Blasingame in the McClanahan Community near Marlin, Texas. The family later moved to Marlin where she attended and graduated from Marlin High School in 1935. Growing up in Marlin, she enjoyed attending church, roller skating, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. She was reared by loving parents with two sisters - Lucille & Ruby, and four brothers - Homer, Quintus, Marcus (Pat) , and Walter. Together, they formed extraordinary bonds and precious memories.

Frances married her high school sweetheart, Alfred Gustav (Billy) Scheef on October 30, 1939. They eloped and said their vows in Taylor, Texas. Bill preceded her in death June 3, 2003. They were an adventuresome couple and enjoyed exploring, traveling, making new friends, and after sixteen years of marriage, being parents. After living in Inglewood, Ca. and Grand Prairie, Texas they settled in Houston. Both Frances and Billy worked with her brother, Homer Blasingame, who owned several drug stores. Bill then started his career at Al Parker Buick, and she at Houston Lighting & Power Company. She later worked and retired from Sears on North Shepherd in Houston, after being a stay-at-mom for many years.

Frances, always with a smile on her face, created loving memories as a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend with a sweet, gentle spirit. She was a member of Langwood Baptist Church in Houston for over 54 years where she had taught Sunday School. She was notorious as the Girl Scout leader that broke her leg while helping one of her troup members learn to roller skate at Tradewinds Roller Rink. Her hands have played many tunes on her piano over the years and sewn many a stitch, as she was an accomplished seamstress. She loved church and family gatherings and never missed her grandchildren's school and sporting events. Her favorite times of year were spring when she looked forward to digging in flower beds and fall, as she looked forward to football season of which she was an avid fan.

Frances Jewel Blasingame Scheef is survived by her daughter Paula Frances Scheef-McNutt, granddaughter Rochelle Leann McNutt, grandson Coach Brian Joseph (BJ) McNutt, all of Houston, sister-in-laws Agnes Scheef Huseby of Marlin and Annette Scheef Milam of Waco, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends that she held close to her heart always.

The family wishes to acknowledge Bessie Mae Anderson Swinnea of Marlin and Lavon Allen of Kosse as lifelong friends of Frances and family, Randy W. Barton with a heart as big as Texas who was always there to help, Nancy Brockermeyer Davenport for many years and endless hours of devotion and loving care, special nieces Barbara & Patsy Morris for always being so near, dear and loving, Dr. Jeffery Lee for patiently listening, guiding, and understanding, and Kay Linson, RN of Houston Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Frances may be made to: Langwood Baptist Church at 4134 Southerland in Houston, Texas 77092.