Frances Ellen Rhodes (Rees, Grieme) at 81 years of age departed this life surrounded by family in her home in Tucson, Arizona, early Friday morning on August 20, 2021. She was the eldest and only daughter born to Phillip and Lottie Lucille (Stuart) Grieme on November 21,1939 in Mt. Auburn, Illinois. Her brother, Carl Grieme (wife, Judy) of Homosassa Springs, FL preceded her in death.

Frances was a loving mother of three children, Belinda Davis of Tucson, AZ, Andy Rees (wife, Mary) of Glen Allen, VA and Jay Rees (wife, Diana) of Springfield, IL, grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

At age 16, she prayed to know of her career path and heard God's voice tell her, "be a compassionate nurse for my people" and that she was. She was a 1960 graduate of the Memorial Hospital (Springfield, IL) diploma nursing program. Studying on her own time without compensation, she was one of the pioneer nurses of the burn unit at Memorial Medical Center and completed her career there with the spinal rehab unit in 1979. She continued her nursing career working with several physician offices and clinics. In 2005, she retired from full-time nursing from St. Joseph's Nursing Home and continued her career a few more years per diem with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Illinois. She was a hospice volunteer in Springfield, IL and Tucson, AZ. She was a mentor to many. Forever a nurse; until her death she was continually sharing and teaching nursing skills and health concepts.

Frances was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served in various positions with the children (Primary), Young Women and women (Relief Society) organizations. She enjoyed the quiet reverence of the temple. Generous with her time, means and kind words. Without fail she had a meal in the freezer to share with a neighbor or someone in need. Gifted as an active listener, even in her teen years with her peers she was the confidante. She had a darling sense of humor. She loved sharing and receiving smiles and hugs. Her Christ-like love, generosity and hard-working character influence is evident in her children's lives.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home with Bishop Dave Bridges conducting services. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park.