Frances Myers

Some people search for happiness in their careers, their possessions, or their accomplishments, never finding true contentment. Frances Myers wasn't one of them. Frances was a wonderful woman, who found her greatest joy in bringing joy to those around her, from her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren, to her beloved friends and loyal pets.

Frances' story began on a cool fall day in 1928, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were happier times in this country, in the twilight of the Roaring 20s, and the calm before the terrible storm of the Great Depression. Prohibition was still the law of the land, a law being flaunted by Al Capone and his gang in Chicago, a law Eliot Ness was sent to enforce so famously that year. There was still much to celebrate in 1928, especially for Frank and Bernice (Schaenk) Bottruff, who celebrated the birth of a baby girl on September 23, 1928, a daughter they named Frances.

Frances grew up in Grand Rapids, where she attended the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and learned even more valuable lessons from her beloved mother, and the example her mother set for her. Frances graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1945, a summer that saw the dramatic end to World War II.

Frances worked a few different jobs after high school, but her true calling didn't involve a punch clock.

One evening in 1956, Frances agreed to go on a blind date with a man named Lyle Myers. It might have been a blind date, but it was easy to see they were meant for each other right away! The two quickly began a romance, and were married on November 2, 1957, a cool, gray Saturday in Grand Rapids.

The newlyweds settled into a home in Grand Rapids together, a home where they would form so many wonderful memories, and soon enough, become parents together, as well. Exactly one year after they were married, the couple had more than their first anniversary to celebrate, but the birth of twin sons, as well! Frances and Lyle became the proud parents of Lyle Jr. and Erwin, joining their big sister Betty, who Frances brought into the marriage. Frances forever called little Lyle "Junior."

Frances was a wonderful wife and mother, the job she was born to do, caring for those around her, supporting them any way she could. Later in life, when her beloved husband took ill, Frances lovingly cared for him for many years, until he sadly died on November 14, 1983. She also was a gentle caregiver to her good friend, Bernie Black, until she sadly died on Thanksgiving of 2001. That's just the way Frances was, though, always selfless, always gracious.

Frances enjoyed her life, and had many hobbies she was passionate about. She absolutely loved to read, especially romance novels, and also made many close friends at the Rebekah Lodge where she was a member. Frances also loved to sew, and encouraged her grandchildren to take sewing classes, too. Playing Bingo was another favorite pastime for her, and going to the casinos, especially bus trips with her friends to the Little River Casino in Manistee, keeping her winnings in the fanny pack she took everywhere. She enjoyed taking the bus on trips, because she didn't like driving on the highway herself (and in fact, she wouldn't), and didn't like even riding with people on the highway.

One of Frances' greatest passions was for her beloved pets, especially the many dogs and cats she had as companions over the years. She loved animals of all kinds, and treated them like her children; they even had their own furniture!

Frances also loved children, and she saw so many smiling faces while working at the Purple Cow ice cream counter at the Meijer's on 54th Street. She enjoyed that job very much, working there from 2000 until she retired for good in October of 2005.

Frances adored her own grandkids and step-grandkids, and was so proud of each of them. She truly appreciated how blessed she was by the family who meant everything to her.

Sadly, Frances died on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus, surrounded by her loving family.

Frances was a wonderful woman, who devoted her life to caring for those around her. From her beloved family, to her friends, her pets or her patrons, nothing pleased her more than pleasing others. She will be so greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle Myers; and close friend Bernice Black. Frances is survived by her children Lyle (Debbie) Myers, Jr., Erwin Myers (special friend Mary Craig), Betty (Joe) Zalokar; grandchildren Julie Myers (fiancée Matt Stratton), Jill Myers, Penny Cooley, and Nick Cooley; several great-grandchildren; step-children; step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Frances was a member of the lady's Rebekah Lodge. Friends are invited to meet with Frances' family on Friday from 6-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. The funeral will be held at the funeral chapel on Saturday at 12 noon, with visiting one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frances' memory may be made to the Kent County Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association of West Michigan. To read Frances' Life Story, share a memory or photo of her, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.