Frances Louise Debban

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Frances Louise Debban, age 83, of Arapahoe died Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. She was born March 2, 1920 in Deshler, to John and Clara B. (Werner) Mussman. Frances was raised and attended school at Norton. After school she worked in the Arapahoe area. On Nov. 7, 1943, she married Clarence W. Mues in Oxford. They made their home in rural Holbrook. In May 1960, Clarence passed away. She then moved to Arapahoe. On Oct. 27, 1965, she married Orvin A. Debban in Arapahoe. In 1970, they moved to Holdrege where she worked at Becton-Dickenson Manufacturing from 1968 until 1984. In 1982 they moved back to Arapahoe. Orvin passed away on June 8, 1990.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Clarence W. Mues; second husband, Orvin A. Debban; infant daughter, Virginia A. Mues; son, Wesley C. Mues; brother, Melvin Mussman; and sister Helen White.

She is survived by two sons, Robert and wife, Roxie Mues of Arapahoe and Victor and wife, Anna Mues of Chapman; step-son, Orvin Debban of Holdrege; three step-daughters, Antoinette and husband, Bob Williams of Loomis, Jeanette and husband, Terry Draper of Edison and Elizabeth Traill of Holdrege; daughter-in-law, Dwana Mues of Kearney; brother, Harold Mussman and wife, Norma of Missouri; four sisters, Mildred Stump and Ferne Noltie of Arapahoe, Luella Ruff of Holbrook, Faye Osborn and husband, Merlin of Leadville, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Winnie Mussman of Arapahoe.

Frances celebrated life and her family each day. She was a devout member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Arapahoe. She was baptized on March 2, 1920, and confirmed on April 9, 1933 in the Lutheran faith.

She took great pleasure in helping people by delivering Meals on Wheels, working at the mission mall and food pantry. She also helped with services at the Rest Home and was active in LWML.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Frances was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would show the latest pictures to anyone willing to see.

Frances grew up knowing the value of a hard day's work. She was a young adult at a time when children often moved away from home to help support herself and her family. After losing her first husband, Clarence, she was fortunate to meet and make a second life with Orvin. She loved all of her children as they grew together in their commingled families.

She spent time in her retirement years camping and enjoying trips to Texas with Orvin. When at home they loved to spoil their grandchildren and host many family gatherings. She loved to plant flowers each spring and spend hours outdoors.

Frances always cared about those around her and no matter how she felt she always took the time to ask about her visitors' family.

She was a mom, wife, grammie, great-grandma, sister, a Christian and a great lady. She will be missed but never, never forgotten. She watches over all of us from Heaven - healthy and happy. Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe with Rev. Carl Lilienkamp, officiating.

Music was congregational hymns. Organist was Carolyn ten Bensel and soloist was Steve Henry.

Casketbearers were John Mues, Adam Mues, Sean Williams, Stuart Mues, Colin Mues, Chad Draper and Randy Jankovitz.

Interment was in the St. Matthew's Cemetery, northwest of Arapahoe with Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe in charge of arrangements. Memorial suggestions by family include Lutheran Hour and Trinity Courtyard Improvement.