FRANCES OLIVER
1931-2025
Frances Boley Oliver, 93, passed away on January 4, 2025 at her home in rural Clark County, Missouri with her daughters singing her into the arms of Jesus.
She was born the daughter of Lawrence and Grace (Smith) Boley on December 30, 1931 in Clark County.
Frances graduated as the valedictorian of the Kahoka High School Class of 1949, and went on to Kirksville State Teachers College for two years. She then taught in a one-room school in Clark County called Mt. Hope for one year during the 51 – 52 school year. In 1952, she attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for a year.
On June 6, 1953 she married the love of her life, Leland Guy Oliver, with whom she shared sixty-six years. They lived in two countries and six different states over the next thirty years. While raising their children, she finished her bachelor’s degree at Harris – Stowe Teacher’s College in St. Louis; and went on to teach at Berean Christian Academy in Irving, Texas; and Faith Christian Academy in Florissant, Missouri. She also enjoyed teaching in many Sunday Schools, camps, Vacation Bible Schools, and AWANA clubs. She was a prolific writer of poetry, and the songs of praise and worship that she wrote were often shared at hymn sings. She considered her greatest joy in life was to hear that each of her children (including those she had taught) walked in truth. Frances was an avid supporter and prayer warrior for countless people and ministries.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Delbert Boley; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Richard and Lavaughn Olson, Glen and Mary Oliver, Howard and Dorothy Oliver, and Raymond Hohl.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Lawrence and Danelle Oliver, Jean and Walter Barbier, and Rebekah and Kerry Parks; grandchildren: John and Amanda Curry, Rosalie Loehr, Jason Loehr, and Teddy Barbier; great grandchildren: Boston Curry, Trenton Robinson, Emerson Loehr, Camden Curry, Violet Loehr, Jackson Curry, and Christopher Loehr; and by her dear friends and sisters-in-law: Ruth Ann Boley and Helen Hohl; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, January 11 at the Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis with Pastor Walt Barbier officiating. Burial will follow in the Combs Cemetery in Luray.
Visitation is from 12-8 p.m. on Friday, January 10, at the Gerth Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the ETHNOS 360 (New Tribes Mission) and be may left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555
Online condolences may be sent to the Oliver family by signing the guestbook at gerthfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service.
