Francene Thomas Ferrel, 68, died peacefully Sunday, June 8, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 2pm Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Childress, Texas, with Rev. Jeff Smith officiating. Visitation with the family will occur on Friday from 2pm – 5pm at the First Baptist Church in Estelline. Fran was born on March 4, 1946, to Olen and Opal Thomas. She graduated from Ralls High School in 1964 and from Texas University in 1968. Fran married Billy Ferrel on September 3, 1966, in Ralls, Texas, and they made their home in Parnell for the past 46 years of their 48 year marriage. Fran lived to serve God and people. She took pride in her life partnership with Bill and worked hard contributing toward their farm and ranch. Area cowboys looked forward to her hearty meals with anticipation, and oftentimes before graciously serving them lunch she could be found right alongside them on horseback. Fran and Bill especially enjoyed their trips to the lake together jugging for catfish to fry up and generously share with family and friends. She worked tirelessly as a member of the First Baptist Church of Estelline, whether playing the piano, planting flowers or providing food and friendship to all. She taught art in Childress for several years, using her gifts to inspire future generations to ensure they allowed time to “stop and smell the roses”. Fran took great pleasure as an extraordinary homemaker who served, not only her family, but also the surrounding community, hosting Christmas parties or contributing to luncheons, all the while proudly showing off her grandkids. Her creative abilities abounded through the splendor of her art, photography, quilts, and pottery, all of which she considered gifts attributable to God above and which are testaments to her great appreciation for beauty, diligence in details, and joy in creativity. Fran was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all. Survivors include: Husband, Billy Ferrel; a daughter, Amber Lewis and husband Warren of Stillwater, Oklahoma; a son, Ty Ferrel, and wife Audrey of Stafford, Virginia; seven grandchildren: Zach, Isaac, Avery, and Wyatt Lewis, and Jackie, Anna, and Micah Ferrel; brother Jim Thomas and wife Loretta of Houston, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the First Baptist Church of Estelline or Childress Regional Medical Center Hospice.