Frances passed away peacefully, with soothing music playing, at sunrise on February 18, 2024 at the Grande Prairie Care Centre at the age of 96 years.

Frances was born May 4, 1927 in Vegreville, AB, the daughter of a prim, petite, proper, English lady Marguerite Emma Porter and father William Alexander Anderson.

Growing up during the “Dirty Thirties” Frances experienced many challenges. She spent her formative years bouncing from school to school where she fostered many friendships. All while her mother was often working as a housekeeper.

In 1944, Frances met Delbert Wells in Edmonton, AB where he was employed by the U.S Army as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. They married on May 4, 1945. The following year Del’s employment had the family of four moving to Destruction Bay which was 170 miles northwest of Whitehorse, YT. In preparation for the trip Frances had to sell the set of dishes they received as a wedding present from the boys where Del worked. She never forgot this. To join Del up north; Fran and two kids boarded an airplane in Edmonton for an exhausting 10-hour flight. no stewardess, an air-sick child with four stops to Whitehorse… what a journey! The next day they traveled 170 miles to discover that their new home had an oil stove for heat and running water complete with a shower; pure luxury. The wilderness camp was very isolated and predators were always close by. Grocery provisions were pre-ordered and arrived monthly along with outdated news.

The Yukon did not satisfy Del’s ambition, so the family packed up in a flash and travelled south to Wanham, AB. A heartwarming welcome from the Christensen family made the move more comforting. Ester took Frances under her wing and taught her how to preserve vegetables and fruit. In 1946, Del and Fran put down permanent roots buying a half section of farmland. Laboring from dawn to dusk, tending to four children, doing chores, gardening and milking cows twice daily was exhausting. Fran got her first washing machine in the fall of 1946, a Gas Engined Beatty with a green enamelled tub, for $189.50 plus $3.00 for freight. She stayed up to date with the help of the Eaton’s catalogue, purchasing necessities when their pocketbook allowed.

Frances was always looking for more efficient ways of doing things. Being proficient with figures and keeping track of their finances made it possible to purchase new improved farm equipment and to buy more land. This skill created a successful and fearless businesswoman. In France's lifetime, she went from harnessing a team of horses in 1946, to driving a vehicle, to getting her Private pilot's license in 1969 and flying an airplane. In 1972, Wapiti Aviation was established at the Grande Prairie Airport, which grew substantially; providing air medivacs, flight school, scheduled runs, maintenance and charter.

In the Spring of 1975 Del & Fran had a farm sale and moved to Grande Prairie permanently. In the mid-1980’s the Wells got the travelling bug, bought an RV and became “Snowbirds”. Arizona called and they bought a park model in Surprize. Years of new friendships developed until the cost of health insurance restricted them to travel.

In 1997, Frances became a widow after 52 years of marriage. Moving forward she found comfort and friendship with the Golden Age Centre activities. Starting with social dances, bus trips then a tour overseas to London, England. Every adventure Fran went on she made a photo album. The next twelve years were shared with her companion Lester Webb, a quiet, sweet, generous man who shared France's love of music.

In 2013, Fran decided to downsize, she had many garage sales and then moved into the Wild Rose Manor. This was home until January 2023 when she moved over to the Grande Prairie Care Centre.

Frances always dressed for success and enjoyed conversation while sharing a hearty meal. She generated laughter when reminiscing and telling jokes. In her leisure time, Fran could be found knitting blankets or doing crossword puzzles. She balanced her bank account monthly to the penny. She saved every card and letter that she received and wrote thank you notes. She enjoyed staying connected with her iPad.

Frances will be missed by daughter-in-law Shirley Wells (deceased son Albert) and their three boys: Rick (Debbie), great-grandson Andrew(Alanah), great-great-granddaughter Ainsley; Wayne (Lori) and great-grandsons Brett and Kyle; Darren (Robyn), great-grandchildren Hunter, Presley and Hinton; daughter Betty Wells; son Dale and his children Bekk and Brian; son Gerald (Bev) and family; niece, Linda (Dave) King (who was like a daughter), children: Nicole (Matt) Markell, Jaxx and Kali, Janelle (Scott), Allan Cambria, Olive, Ruby and Austin King.

Frances was predeceased by her husband Delbert Wells; son Albert Wells; companion Lester Webb; great-grandson Brady; as well as many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Frances wanted to thank three special people; son Dale Wells, grandson Darren Wells and niece Linda King for their amazing love and support to whom she entrusted her health and welfare as she aged.

The family wishes to thank the Grande Prairie Care Centre staff, the Wild Rose Manor for 10+ years, Dr. O. Odufuwa, Dr Dufour and the Golden Age Centre.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Wild Rose Manor in Grande Prairie (9358 70 Ave.).

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00pm at Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel (10007 107 Ave.), with a luncheon to follow.

A Livestream of the service will be available on Frances Wells’ obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.