Fannie Blanche Gafford, 98, Jonesboro, died at 2:23 pm on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Cedar Creek (formerly York Place) Assisted Living in Marion, Indiana.
Fannie was born and raised in a sod house on a farm near Goodland, Kansas, to the late Charles and Mary (Hall) Gafford. After high school graduation and completion of just one summer at Fort Hayes State University, in 1943, she began teaching at her elementary one-room schoolhouse under a WWII qualified teacher exemption. She continued to teach for over 50 years in Emmett, Idaho; Edson, Kansas; Rockvale, Colorado; and finally in Penrose, Colorado, while finishing her Masters Degree at Colorado Western University. Although never married, Fannie influenced the lives of hundreds of children with a Christian witness of love, understanding, and humility. After retirement, she and her sister, Martha, moved to Canon City, Colorado, and cared for their sisters, Emma, Frances, and Mary until all had passed. In 2010, the two sisters moved to Jonesboro, Indiana, to be near their nephew, Lowell Gafford, and his family. After Martha’s passing, Fannie moved to Cedar Creek Assisted Living for the remainder of her life.
Fannie was a member of Penrose Friends Church, where she taught Sunday School and played the organ. After moving to Indiana, she attended Westview Wesleyan Church.
In addition to her parents, Fannie was preceded in death by her brothers, Elmer C. Gafford (Jonesboro, IN), Paul W. Gafford (Muncie, IN), and sisters, Ella Emma Gafford, Mary A. Gafford, and Frances M. Kinglesmith (all of Canon City, CO). She is survived by the families of nine nieces and nephews.
The family received visitors from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
A funeral service to celebrate Fannie’s life began at 11:00 am with Rev. Douglas Hinton officiating.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am at Beaver Park Friends Church, 140 Illinois St., Penrose, CO, on September 23, 2023.
The family expresses their very special thanks to the staff of Cedar Creek Assisted Living for the excellent care given to Fannie during her later years.
Online condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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