Frances Jessie Gula

Age 95, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Evangelical Home in Saline. She was born in Redstone, Montana on June 27, 1918, the only child of Milo and Ruth Beardslee. The family returned to Michigan in the 1920’s where Fran graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit in 1935. She met her husband, Walter Gula on a commuter train enroute to her job in Pontiac and they were married in 1942. They lived in Denver, CO for two years during WWII, when Walt was stationed there in the Army. They moved to Saline in 1952, living there until 1974, when she and Walt retired to Hillsdale, MI. After Walt’s passing Fran returned to Saline in 1998 and resided at Brecon Village with her much-loved cat, Elvis who passed away earlier this year. When she moved to the Evangelical Home in November 2011, Elvis stayed at Brecon Village as the “house cat” in the Primrose wing, bringing enjoyment to many residents and staff there. Fran liked to crochet, go “antiquing”, spend time with her friends and family and try new adventures. For her 80th birthday she received a ride on the Goodyear blimp and traveled with her family back to Denver for a visit that included taking a tram across the Royal Gorge and a Hummer ride in the mountains, despite her fear of heights. She celebrated her 90th birthday on Mackinac Island, one of her favorite places. Frances is survived by her son, Bob, his wife, Connie and four grandchildren, Rhonda (Tim) Clary, Robert II (Melissa). Rod (Daniela) and Chris, as well as five great-grandchildren: Nichole Clary, Ryan Gula, Kelsey Gula, Zach Gula and MacKenzie Gula. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Ruth and her husband, Walter. A special thanks to all of Fran’s caregivers at the Saline Evangelical Home; especially Dawn and Tom, whom she talked about often. Everyone at the Evangelical Home and Arbor Hospice brought much joy and comfort to Fran and her family. Services will be held at Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 11:00 A.M. with services to follow at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in Hillsdale. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saline Evangelical Home. To sign Frances’s guestbook, to view a full obituary or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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Frances Jessie Gula

June 27, 1918 - November 5, 2013