SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. – Frances M. Keener, died at her home in Sierra Vista, Arizona, on Sunday, May 29, 2016. She was born in Hutchinson, May 31, 1927, to Charles and Stella Little.

Frances grew up in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School. She loved learning and decided to go back to school and finish her college education in 1970. Frances spent the next two years taking classes and graduated with an associate degree from Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona. She then attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1974. Frances was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and a member of Who's Who in American Colleges. She utilized her education and worked for the U.S. Army for many years.

Frances married Kenneth Keener on Aug. 29, 1947, in Hutchinson. They enjoyed traveling, and with his military career they were able to live in Germany for several years and visit many places in France, Italy and Greece. Frances and Kenneth spent their early retirement in southern Arizona where they enjoyed watching wildlife and the high desert transformation during monsoon season. Frances was married to Kenneth for 66 years until his passing in 2013.

Frances also enjoyed spending time with her family: sisters, Julia McLaughlin of Hutchinson, Margaret David of Creve Coeur, Mo.; brothers, Ralph Little of Keizer, Ore., Harold Little of Pretty Prairie (deceased), and Howard Little of Edmond, Okla., (deceased). She spent many occasions with her brothers and sisters, their husbands and wives, and lots of nieces and nephews and loved being with them all. Frances also loved spending time with her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.

Frances is survived by: her daughter, Debbi Keener-Bryant of Santa Fe, NM; her son, Kenneth Keener Jr., his wife, Ana, and her grandson, Zachary, all of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; her siblings, Julia, Margaret, Ralph; and many nieces and nephews. Frances was a loving sister, wife, mom and grandmother and will be missed by many who loved her.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family present to friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the University of Arizona Foundation-Alumni, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.