Frances Emma Hathaway

Fran Hathaway, 86, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Midland Hospice House. She was born June 20, 1926 in Liberty, MO, the daughter of Reverend Frank and Geneva Teter Rissler. She graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later earned a Master's Degree from the University of Kansas.

Fran enjoyed teaching English in the Shawnee Heights School District for over forty years. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher's Sorority where she held many offices. Fran and Gene were also members of the Wagoneer's Camping Club. They loved RV'ing at local lakes, the Ozarks and spending winters in south Texas. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church.

Fran married Gene Hathaway on June 6, 1946 in Pueblo, CO, with her father officiating the ceremony. Survivors include her husband, Gene of Topeka; daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Ron Beuchat of Topeka, and two beloved dog friends, Arfie and Harley. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant twin sister, Eleanor.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery. Fran will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.