Francies Elaine Higgins

Francies Elaine Higgins, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at her home. She was 95 years of age.

Francies was born July 5, 1918 in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of Frank Asbury Burdick and Etta Mae (Bibbs) Burdick. She attended the Ponca City Public Schools. She was married to Ivan Higgins on October 5, 1959 in Winfield, Kansas.

Francies formerly owned and operated the Francies Smotone School of Dance in Ponca City, and in 1965 was changed to Fran and Francies School of Dance and now known as Fran’s School of Dance. Francies taught dance until the age of 65. Her enjoyments included reading, gardening, watching baseball games and Dancing with the Stars.

She is survived by her daughter Fran Norris and husband Dan; six grandchildren, Heather Norris, Courtney Hunter, Nina Norris, J.D. Botts and wife Sharita, April Botts and Frankie Higgins; 15 great grandchildren; numerous other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 1 son, Robert Higgins; 3 brothers, Lewis S. Burdick, Frank Burdick and Lester Burdick; 2 sisters, Doris Taylor and Naomi Brewer; and 1 great granddaughter, Taylor Rene McCullough.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand with St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene Pastor David Frees presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.