Frances Vande Kop

Frances, 80, passed away at St Johns Lutheran Home, Billings, Montana on Tuesday December 21, 2010. Frances was born in Rock Rapids, Iowa on April 28, 1930, the fourth of seven children. Frances grew up on the family farm and began teaching in 1948. New Years Eve of 1951 she married Ed VandeKop. They lived in Rock Rapids until 1959 when they moved to Montana. Three of their children, Linda, Patti and Darryl were born in Iowa, while Diane and Mary were born in Montana. Frances loved teaching and taught until she retired in 1985. During her “retirement” Frances was a seasonal ranger in the Two Medicine and St. Mary areas of Glacier National Park. She later worked in the gardens of Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. Frances and Ed acquired property in the East Glacier area where they built the “campin house.” The cabin was and still is a special place for the entire family. Frances eight grandchildren (Ashley, Joe, Jack, Alex, Zach, Alan, Carl and McKenzie) visited often and learned much from “Grandma Ranger.” Frances was preceded in death by her brothers John Hommes, Roger Hommes and her sister Esther Vander Stouwe as well as her husband Edward VandeKop. Alzheimers disease took mom but before she lost her treasured memories she made a conscious decision to continue her teaching even after her death. Her wishes were to donate her body to science and contribute to educating those who need to find a cure for this and other terrible diseases. Frances is survived by her sisters: Irene Shelton, JoAnn (Fifi) Douglas; her brother Hynie Hommes; as well as her children Linda VandeKop (Billings), Patti VandeKop & Bill Schepps (Shelby), Darryl VandeKop (Shelby), Diane & Bob Reidelbach (Billings) and Dr. Mary & John Bergum (Spokane). Frances also leaves eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Memorials: In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association, 3010 11th Ave. North, Billings, MT 59101. Cards may be sent in care of Linda VandeKop, PO Box 753, Billings, MT 59103. Service: A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday December 23 at the Garden Court Dining Room at Saint Johns Lutheran Ministries in Billings.