Twila M. Francis passed away at her home Friday, May 20, 2022, at the
age of 89. She was born on November 17, 1932, in Lucas, Kansas to Edward
and Velma (Duncan) Naegele. She was united in marriage to William T.
“Bill” Francis on June 8, 1952. The couple was blessed with three
children: Russ, Karma, and Glenda.
Twila was a lifelong resident of Lucas. She worked as a homemaker on
the dairy farm, raising her children, milking cows, and helping with
her grandkids. If she wasn’t working outside, you could find her in the
kitchen. She was a phenomenal cook and baker. You could always look
forward to a hearty meat and potatoes meal followed up with a baked pie
or other sweet treat. It is said that the kitchen is a gathering place
for friends and family where memories are homemade and seasoned with
love. No matter what great food Twila was preparing, it was always done
with unconditional love for family and friends. While those amazing
smells from her kitchen will be greatly missed, the sweet aroma of her
kindness, tenderness, and love will be with us forever.
Later she started a part time job at USD 407 helping in the kitchen.
She enjoyed seeing and getting to know all the kids as well as making
good friends with her coworkers. Twila also enjoyed many years raising
her beloved Pugs. She always had a pug around until later in her life.
Her summers were spent taking their annual vacation with her Sister
(Wilmetta) and Brother-in law. No matter where the adventures took them
they had a great time. Her favorite vacation spot was Las Vegas where
she would test her luck at the casinos, and even won a time or two.
Twila was a collector of Indians (If you have ever been to her house you
would know) she has a special Indian from each one of her kids and
grandkids that she proudly displayed. Anyone that knew Twila, knew that
she was an avid KU fan and rarely ever missed a game. She was so
excited over the National Championship she taped the game and watched
over and over again just as excited as the first time she saw the game.
She had a zest for life and lived life to its fullest.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Velma Naegele;
husband, William “Bill” Francis; and brother-in-law, David Dick.
Survivors are children, Russ Francis, Karma Habiger, Glenda (Mark)
Buttenhoff of Lucas; sister, Wilmetta Dick of Lucas, KS; four
grandchildren, Jade Ward, Kayla McGinnes, and Logan and Layne
Buttenhoff; two great-grandchildren, Chalee and Gage Francis.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 10:30AM
at the Lucas United Methodist Church in Lucas, Kansas. There will be no
public visitation.
Memorials are suggested to the Twila Francis Memorial Fund or Meals
on Wheels and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO
BOX 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences may be left for the family
at www.plumeroverlease.com