Obituary of Frances Jane Grones

Grones, Frances Jane peacefully stepped into the next life July 24, 2023. She was born May 9, 1928, in Davenport, Iowa to Elnora Kling and Frank Davey (FKA Charles Roda, Jr.). She always lit up when she talked about her only sister, Esther. She loved Esther her whole life. They had some tough early years together and were each other’s protector, advocate, and friend. Frances met Remi Paul Grones in California in 1945. She was working and living there with some of her sweet Kling family aunts, and Remi was there serving in the US Coast Guard. Family lore says she turned Remi down three times before finally going on a date with him. They were married on March 16, 1946, moved back to Remi’s hometown of Minneapolis, and a year later started welcoming their seven children: Sandra, Richard, Kirk, Patricia, Mary, Robert, and Jennifer. She said she always wanted a big family! And what a great mom she turned out to be. She learned a lot along the way, to be sure, but none of her kids doubted their mom’s undying love. Seven good-hearted adults were the result of that strong love. Nineteen grandchildren and 14 (and counting) great-grandchildren followed, so it’s safe to say she got her wish. Frances lived for 23 years after Remi’s death in late 1999. She lived alone (and happily so) until 2020, lunched with her girls every Friday, traveled to grandchildren’s weddings, held new great grandbabies, visited her sweet Aunt Bert Pine whenever possible, and stayed connected to family as much as she could. She spread positivity everywhere she went. In addition to Remi, she is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sister Esther, special aunt Bert, and sweet grandson Peter. The family is grateful for the caring staff at The Homestead of Anoka, and especially grateful for nursing assistant Josie, who formed a special bond with our mom. Frances’ sweet disposition toward every stranger who crossed paths with her will live on in her seven kids. We will miss you every day and love you forever, Mom!

Celebration of life Sunday, Oct 15, 2023, at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave S, Edina: 1PM visitation, 2PM service, Reception to follow. To honor our mom’s love of all kids (especially babies!), memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).