Frances &uot;Fran&uot; Irene Ashcraft, 84, died on Friday, April 2, 2004, at Albert Lea Medical Center, with her adoring husband, Howard, at her side.

She was born in St. Paul,

on Jan. 25, 1920, the daughter of James F. and Nettie I. (Graybill) Walsh. She attended grade school in Inver Grove, and was a 1937 graduate of South St. Paul High School. In 1941, she graduated from Winona State College with a degree in physical education.

She taught in Baudette, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. She served in Europe in the Army Medical Department as a physical therapist from April 1943 to August 1946. She attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant

Following her military service, Fran, along with Gladys Bostrom, operated a physical therapy office in the Albert Lea Lea Center Building for four years, retiring in 1952.

While in France with the U.S. Army, Fran met the love of her life, Howard G. Ashcraft and on June 9, 1951, they were united in marriage. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea where Fran had been active in women’s groups.

Fran is well-known in the Albert Lea community for her abilities in bowling and golfing and many area youth will remember her bowling instructions. She was a life member of the Albert Lea Woman’s Bowling Association and had been inducted into the Minnesota Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame.

Fran was a member of the Green Lea Golf Course from 1953 to 1986, American Legion Post and Auxiliary, and a life member of the VFW. Many people will remember her for the expert chair caning she did. She enjoyed playing cribbage, crosswords and reading.

Fran is survived by her husband, Howard of Albert Lea.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents.

Fran will be greatly missed by many, especially her good friends on Park Avenue. Blessed be her memory.

The memorial service for Frances “Fran” Irene Ashcraft will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at First Presbyterian Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Dwight Netzer will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Veterans’ Organizations. Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.