Memorials may be directed Southwest Iowa Humane Society in Clarinda.

Frances Marcella Kruse was born on March 4, 1928 to Walter and Wauneta (Dovenspike) Kruse.   Frances' father died when she was a  young child.  Her mother later remarried Roy Gater and he adopted both Frances and her sister Katie.  Frances entered into eternal peace on March 14, 2023 in Rock Port, Missouri, having lived a full life of 95 years.

Frances' early years were spent in the Silver City community.  The family later moved to Shenandoah where she graduated from Shenandoah High School.  On December 27, 1950 she was united in marriage to Francis "Frank" Brannen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa.  The couple made their home in Northboro where they farmed and raised their family.

In her younger days she worked for Jay Drug Store and also was a secretary for Lake's Nurseries.  She was a dedicated farm wife and loving mother.  She raised a gigantic garden and tended to several fruit trees.  What fruit and vegetables were not used immediately became canned and stored for the coming months.  She was a wonderful cook and famous for her  meat loaf, goulash and apple bars.  Family trips to Spirit Lake and Estes Park were filled with wonderful memories.  She was always up for a new adventure.

Crocheted afghans were gifted to many family members courtesy of  Frances' handywork.   She was also a gifted seamstress, enjoyed knitting, doing puzzle books, watching NCIS and Law and Order on tv and spending time with her family.  She also raised many animals throughout the years including many dogs, cats, baby lambs, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, rabbits, calves, ducks and even peacocks.   She also enjoyed feeding the birds year round and watching the hummingbirds from her window.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank and sister Catherine "Katie" Gater.  Those left to treasure her memory include her children Larry (Donna) Brannen of Shenandoah, Terri Brannen of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Greg (Deborah) Brannen of Eagleville, TN, Mark (Kim) Brannen of Yankton, SD and Kevin Brannen of Shenandoah; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; special friend Jeannie Fischer, other relatives and friends.