Obituary for Frances VanHoesen

Frances Clydene VanHoesen

January 18, 1938 – April 18, 2019

Frances C. “Fran” VanHoesen, age 81, long time resident of Ponca City passed away Thursday, April 18, 2019, at her home with her family by her side.

According to Fran’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A celebration of Fran’s life will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Sunset Baptist Church with Pastor Matt Click officiating. Following the ceremony, Frances will be laid to rest next to her husband Marion “Van” at Newkirk Cemetery.

Fran was born on January 18, 1938 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Delmar “D.P.” and Hazel (Heinze) Stebens. Early in life, Fran moved from Newkirk to Ponca City where she attended Ponca City Schools, graduating with the class of 1957. While in high school, a young law enforcement officer pulled her over under the guise of giving her a speeding ticket, but more intent on getting to know her. Their love struck quickly and they were married shortly after her graduation on June 7, 1957 at the Lutheran Church in Ponca City, celebrating 54 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. She has been a long time member of Sunset Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. As well, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newkirk. When her husband worked for the Ponca City Police Dept., she was the President of the Police Wives Auxiliary. Fran was also active in the Happy Hilltop homemakers and the Washington School PTA. Through the years, her love for her high school classmates was seen in her deep involvement in the events of the Class of 1957. Fran was an exceptional cook, which included just reading cookbooks in her spare time. She owned and operated Fran’s Cake Decorating Store and taught cake decorating and candy making at Pioneer Vo-Tech. When Marion ran for Kay County Sheriff, Fran served as his campaign manager. Family was an important element in Fran’s life. She was devoted to her family and would spend as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They could always count on her for being present at their sports events, taking them to Branson to go shopping, and never missed a holiday or birthday with a personal card sent to them. Her involvement in their lives gave Fran much reason to stay active. Ponca City Wildcat wrestling, OSU wrestling, the St. Louis Cardinals, and Thunder Basketball have all lost a devout fan with Fran’s passing.

Survivors include her children: Mike VanHoesen and wife Betty of Ponca City, Les VanHoesen and wife Staci of Cape Fair, MO, Shanna Branscum and husband David of Ponca City, sister Vivian Scott and husband Ronald of Newkirk, OK; grandchildren: Michael VanHoesen, Jr. and wife Shannon of Piedmont, OK, Cody VanHoesen of Ponca City, Jarred Bush of Cape Fair, MO, Layne Howard and husband Mike of Tonkawa, OK, Trey Branscum of Ponca City, great grandchildren: Harper VanHoesen, Bayler Howard, Chloe Howard, Kaylee Howard, Jadin Howard, best friends ever: Mary Lou Waller & Family, special friends: Nancy Brien, Tom & Dee Gould, Royce & Doris Swain and the members of the Ponca City High School class of 1957, as well as many nieces and nephews with a special bond with her nephew Donald Stebens who has shared the journey with cancer together.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, husband, as well as her siblings Joanne Wallace, Leonard Stebens, and Jack Stebens.

Casket bearers will be Michael VanHoesen, Cody VanHoesen, Trey Branscum, Mike Howard, Dave Branscum, and Tyler McCombs with honorary casket bearers Layne Howard, Jarred Bush, Donald Stebens and the Class of 1957.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

Source: Trout Funeral Home