April 4, 2013
Frances Elmer Robbins

Frances Elmer Robbins passed away April 3 in Fallon, Nev., at the age of 86. She was born June 23, 1926 in St. George to Mabel Hill Truman and William Henry Elmer and is the only daughter and oldest of five children. Frances grew up in Pioche, Nev., and loved to go back for visits and celebrations her whole life. She married John Antrim Robbins on Sept. 20, 1947. They were later sealed in the St. George LDS Temple. John and Frances lived in Prince, Panaca and Yerington, Nev., and Tooele. She worked for Anaconda Copper and Carr Fork Mines as a purchasing agent for many years. When John died in 1995, she moved to Fernley, Nev., to be closer to her daughters. “Feisty” would be the perfect word to describe Frances. Truly, she was one of a kind. She lived a full life, always surrounded by her children and grandchildren whom she adored and to whom was known as the “purple haired grandma.” Frances had many friends and kept in touch with them throughout her life. They were a treasure to her. Always creative, her many talents included oil painting, sewing and gardening. She loved beautiful music and played the organ. Frances was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, brothers Jerry, Blaine and David, a son-in-law and great-granddaughter Ashyton. She is survived by her children, Robyn (Elmer) Doutre, Jill (Del) Pursel, John (Trina) Robbins, brother Richard (Margaret) Elmer, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held April 9 at the Fernley, Nev., LDS chapel, 155 Highway 95A, at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Graveside services will be held at the Tooele City Cemetery April 10 at 10 a.m. The family would like to sincerely thank the loving staff at Highland Manor in Fallon for their care of Mom and for the many kindnesses shown to her for the past two years and the Smith Family Funeral Home for their caring and thoughtful service.