Frances Wholf

Frances Ruth Wholf passed peacefully in her sleep on November 9, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, and unwavering love that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Born March 26, 1943, to Frances “Ruth” (née Reid) and August E. Napper in Kansas City, MO. Frances was the eldest of four children and a natural leader from the very beginning. She is survived by her siblings Joe (Janice) Napper, Cindi (Ron) Hurte, and Suzy Smith.

She is also survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Mack of Hennepin, IL, and Rebecca Wholf of Pagosa Springs, CO. Frances’s joy was magnified through her four grandchildren—Luke Baxstrom, Sable Wholf-Corley and her husband Christian, Roman Mack, and Veronika Mack—and through her beloved great-grandsons, Crosby and Sylvester Wholf-Corley, who brought her boundless delight.

Frances devoted much of her life to education, serving as both a passionate educator and school administrator. Her commitment to her students, colleagues, and community touched many lives and shaped countless futures. After retiring, she made her home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where she embraced a life rich with creativity, learning, and family.

In her retirement, Frances cultivated a vibrant and fulfilling life. She found peace and purpose in her garden, immersing herself in the arts, reading thousands of books, tracing the branches of her family’s history, and knitting gifts of warmth for those she loved. Above all, she treasured the countless hours spent with her grandchildren, nurturing their growth with the same dedication she brought to every part of her life.

Frances will be remembered for her kindness, her intellect, her humor, and the steady, comforting presence she offered to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testament to the enduring impact of love, learning, and family.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A celebration of Frances's life for Kansas City family and friends will be held at the KEC firehouse in Kearney, MO, on June 6, 2026. Further details to be announced.

Pagosa Springs family and friends, we will be having a local celebration as well. We will be announcing the details as soon as arrangements have been finalized in the next few days.