1932-2024
Frances Nelle ‘Fran’ Calderwood died December 22, 2024, in Sterling, KS, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Orr and Nelle Mae (Lindsay) Calderwood; brothers, Donald, Robert, and infant brother Alvin; sister, Lois Sieverling; and a niece, Carol Sieverling. Fran is survived by her brother, William (Betty); sister-in-law, Margaret Calderwood; 6 nephews; and 6 nieces all to whom she was special. Frances was born in Sterling, KS, September 27, 1932.
She graduated Sterling High School in 1950; Sterling College in 1954, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 1958, with a Masters in Christian Education. Fran taught English and Home Economics at Hudson, KS high school. Following Seminary graduation Fran served as Christian Education Director in Dayton, Ohio and Hutchinson, KS. In 1960 Fran began 38 years of service to Sterling College where she developed the Christian Education major, served as Dean of Women, managed the Book Store, all the while she also taught Christian Education and Bible part-time. In 1983 Fran assumed the responsibilities of Registrar and later was named Academic Dean. Fran enjoyed many friendships in the Sterling community serving several organizations as an officer. With her seminary training, she was valued member and elder of Sterling United Presbyterian Church as well as a frequent Commissioner to the Presbytery of Southern Kansas. Well done, good and faithful servant! Special thanks to Sterling Village staff and Hospice for their loving care of Fran.
Funeral service will be at the Sterling United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, KS, January 3, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. with Reverend Ben Ray officiating. Private burial will precede at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, on January 2nd, from 5:00-7:00 P.M., Memorials may be given to Sterling College, Sterling, KS, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
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