Frances A Becksted

Frances Smith Becksted, age 66, passed away peacefully on May 31 after battling an undiagnosed lung condition for several months. Fran was born in Coral Gables, Florida to the late Mary Ann Gomez and Roland Gomez and was raised by her mother and her stepfather, the late Henry (Hank) Smith. Fran primarily grew up in Florida but over the years, Hank’s pilot career had them in Canada and New York as well. She met and married her husband of 45 years, Les Becksted, in San Antonio, Texas. The two soon relocated to Colorado where they stayed 21 years before moving to Blaine, Bellingham and eventually Port Orchard, Washington where they have lived for 7 years.

Fran was an ardent and loyal daughter, friend, sister, wife, Mom, and Grandma. She cared deeply for the people in her life - those she knew and loved and even those she had just met. She had a rare gift for welcoming others, quickly putting them at ease and in good humor. She enjoyed her career as a child-care provider, nurturing many a young heart and mind in the same home where she and Les raised their two daughters, Jenny and Holly. She cared for animals and was passionate about her flower gardens. She was enchanted by her favorite music and enjoyed making things with both her mind and her hands. Above all else, Fran was devoted to her friends and family. She loved unconditionally, working hard to maintain relationships and often giving more than she got. Many relied on her and she will be greatly missed.

Fran is survived by her husband Les; her three daughters and their families: Jenny Becksted Smith, her husband Brian Smith and son Leo James; Holly Becksted, her son David Cremeans and partner Eric Marvin; and Patrise Cartwright Myers and her son Dalton Myers. She also leaves behind her brother Steve Smith, sister Colleen Harms, and numerous loving relatives and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at Rill’s Life Tribute Center at 1151 Mitchell Ave in Port Orchard on Monday June 8 at 10:30 AM. All who wish to celebrate Fran’s life and legacy are welcome. Everyone is also encouraged to participate in an online memorial at http://www.rill.com/obituaries/ . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that trees be planted in Fran’s memory via the Arbor Day Foundation or a donation made in her honor to The Salvation Army.