Frances Garling passed away Friday, July 9, 2010 in Bellville after a lengthy illness.

She was born on June 23, 1930 in New Wehdem, Texas to Theodore and Emily (Lueckemeyer) Henske. While growing up on the family farm she worked alongside her family. After the death of her father they continued to keep the farm operating.

She grew up as an active member of St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem and attended the small public country school located adjacent to it. The church, school and the New Wehdem community always had a very special place in her heart.

Frances married Allen Garling on November 19, 1953 at St. James Lutheran Church. After a short time they made their home in Bellville and became members of St. John Lutheran Church. Even though she suffered from acute asthma since childhood, she enjoyed gardening, preserving fruits and vegetables, cooking, and shopping at garage sales. She also took great pleasure in visiting with elderly friends and relatives.

She and Allen enjoyed traveling country roads from one small town to another, going to country barbecues, and attending family functions and reunions, all of which created the simple heartfelt life she strived for. Frances taught her children and grandchildren the importance of hard work and the appreciate of all the things they have. She also found happiness in the study of her family’s genealogy and loved discussing this heritage with her children and grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her husband Allen Garling of Bellville, Texas; daughter Debra Sandell of Columbus, Texas; son Royce Garling and wife Elana of Bellville, Texas; sisters Gladys Tiemann of Bellville, Texas and Ruth Emshoff of Brenham, Texas; grandchildren, James Janik and wife Shelley of Brenham, Texas, David Janik and wife Jill of El Campo, Texas, Amanda Garamillo of Columbus, Texas, and Weston Garling of Bellville, Texas; and great grandchildren Hayley Janik, Kayla Janik, Nathan Garamillo, Coltyn Janik, Zachary Janik. Frances will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and two of her sisters, Hattie Engeling and Ella Mae Henske.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 520 North Holland, Bellville, TX 77418 or to St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem, 10368 New Wehdem Road, Brenham, TX 77833.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor David Henske and Pastor Jennie Jones officiating. Burial was in the Oak Knoll cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel in Bellville.