Obituary of Frances Hardesty

Sept. 10, 1919 - Jan. 31, 2012 Frances Myrtle Janes, daughter to George and Hattie Janes was born in Hangtown, Calif (now Placerville) where her father was a blacksmith. She was the second born of four daughters: Elizabeth, Helene and Vivian. She attended high school in Biggs, Calif. She married Rex Kuhl and had three children: Max, Kay and Alan. Their life was full and interesting. They were dairy farmers and cattle ranchers, restaurant and bar owners in Doyle, Calif. Also drove rice trucks during WWII. Rex passed away at the age of 32 and Fran moved back to Gridley, Calif. with her children in 1949. She worked in restaurants again. Fran met and married John (Slim) Koch in 1950 and moved to Chico, Calif. They raised Max Kay Alan and Slim's son Bob Koch. They had a good life running the construction company, Koch and Crawford. They loved to take trips to Reno, Nev. and dance the night away in the Silver Room. Thanks to Max and Patty, Kay and Bill, Bob and Gracie and Alan and Carol her nine grandchildren were born: Katherine Roberts, Angela Worley, Kim Wright, Jolene Francis, Lisa Middle Kauff, Stacy Warner, Rex Kuhl, Tina Kuhl, Feather Kuhl-Bomar and the great grandchildren who lovingly call her GG: Rachel Worley, Niko Bondurant, Alyssa Worley, Karlee Brinson, Kayla Wright, Tony Bondurant, Hunter Middlekauff, Lucy Bomar and Chloe Bomar. Slim passed away in 1983. Once again Fran met a wonderful man, Bernard Hardesty. They married in May 1989 and she acquired two more children, Steve & Kathy Hardesty who called her Auntie Fran. Bernard and Fran have made many wonderful friends and memories while pulling the 5th wheel all over the California coast, fishing, which was a new found love only second to Bernard. They pulled the trailer into the most beautiful high country. These were the happiest years of her life filled with the joy of being with Bernard and nature, animals, birds, trees, clouds, evenings. They enjoyed their patio looking at the backyard, rose and vegetable garden, birds, flowers and humming birds. We will all miss you and cherish all the wonderful memories, fun and laughter. Till we meet again! There will be a Celebration of Fran's life at Bernard and Fran's home, 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your favorite charity .