Vela Mary Frank

Vela Mary Frank went to be with her Lord on the family ranch on January 14, 2016 at the age of 89 years old after a short illness. She was born on August 17, 1926 in a sod house northwest of Springfield on her Uncle Elmer Chatham's homestead. She was the last of six children born alive to Fred Lee & Ethel Etta (Chenoweth) Chatham. She attended North Liberty, Western Bell, Big Rock, Springfield Union High, & North Lone Star schools. She asked the Lord to be her Savior when she was a teen while attending special meetings invited by her brother, Ray. After hearing the pastor's teaching at the revival services, she knew she was not going to make it to heaven on her own power, so she sat in her seat and prayed the salvation's prayer. About three years later, she was baptized while attending Church of God in Lamar. Through family friends, she became acquainted with George William Frank, and they were married on June 18, 1950. They attended Pleasant Heights, and Star Community Church south of Granada. She taught vacation Bible School and Five Day Clubs at Pleasant Heights. She was involved in the youth ministry wherever she saw a need. She was always seen serving behind the scenes, making sure everyone else had what they required. She was always the last one to eat at any gatherings to make sure everyone else had their food first. She loved her animals and when one was hurt, she had multiple healing methods to get them well again. She was a patient teacher of little children and was a gifted story-teller. Her face was always so animated, and she had voices for every character in her stories. She is survived by her children Jesse William (Doris) of Kandern, Germany, David Wayne (Kathleen) of Granada, CO, Etta Kay (Steve) of Two Buttes, CO; Grandkids Sharla Kaye Wilcox (Ben) of Seattle, WA; Shawna Sue Frank of Humble, TX; Simon Lee & Rachel Ann Bachert of Two Buttes, CO and Skip Dwight Bachert of Goodland, KS, as well as three great grandchildren: Chiara Nicole, Madeleine Grace, and Marina Mae Wilcox in addition to many nieces and nephews and many friends. She was proceeded in death by her husband, George William Frank, her Father & Mother Fred Lee & Ethel Etta Chatham , brothers Ray Lee, Oran George, Vernon Ira, Frank James and sister Ola Bettie Naomi (Chatham) Schibbelhut. The family suggests memorial contributions be given in Vela's name to the Star Community Church in Care of Pastor Joe Garness - 27999 C. Rd. D Granada, CO 81041 or to Gideons International PO BOX 203 Springfield, CO 81073. Donations may be made directly or by way of the funeral home.