Francille Kiehn

Francille “Fritz” Dawn Ferson Kiehn was born August 18, 1945 to Donald Ferson and Bernice McBride. She had 5 siblings: Darrell, Galen, Gwen, Ginger and Michelle. Growing up, she travelled quite a bit with her family. During her childhood, she had various childhood sicknesses. Despite that, Fritz was a positive, confident lady with a heart of gold. She met Arnold at her senior prom and they married January 19, 1964.

Together, Fritz and Arnie had countless adventures with their kids, Paulina and David, and their extended family. They travelled all over the country, from coast to coast. In all her travels, family and friends were the most important things for her. She would always make time to visit with others. Fritz was so proud of people (her kids, their spouses, grandkids, and great grandkids). Her eyes would light up talking about just about anyone as her emotions were always seen in her eyes. Fritz’s greatest desire was to see everyone and visit. She was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed her. She was quick to listen. So many people talked to her over the phone. She always listened intently with no judgment. Instead, she would give words of wisdom or tell a story.

Her stories were some of the best stories to hear. She had so much character and emotion when she told the story. You were transported to the event that she described as she put her whole being into the retelling. I think that was part of why she enjoyed genealogy, she would discover stories of others and gladly share them as if they were her own.

There are quite a few things that people will remember her by. Fritz loved her animals so much. They were treasures in her eyes. She loved so many things with a child-like wonder. They would stop at the Forest Service stations on their travels to get some Smokey the Bear swag. When shopping with her, Fritz would have to get a Mickey Mouse watch every now and then because she had worn hers down so much. Red and purple were a couple of her favorite colors. She had so many amazing and soft blankets. As soft, warm, and encompassing as her personality. She enjoyed shopping with people and for people. Fritz would send out cards to people in her beautiful cursive handwriting.

Her hugs were something special. No matter what else was going on in the world, her hug was almost a cure all. You were safe and secure in her arms. She wouldn't let anything bad ever happen to you. She had a side where you didn’t want to make her angry or upset, but also a soft side full of love. She could be commanding in some situations with a take-charge attitude. Fritz would always talk about food like it was culinary perfection. The kitchen was one of her happy places. She inspired people to cook, bake and discover new dishes.

 Her outlook on life was unique. Who else would name a boy cat, Sweetie Pie? She lived life on her own terms, full of emotion and love. Undaunted by allergies, surgeries, and any problems that might arise. Fritz always seemed to find a little bit of positive in anything that went wrong. She might not have always had a smile on her face, but she would never let that discouragement reach her heart. Fritz Ferson Kiehn passed away June 15, 2023 in Arizona. She is joining her sister, Ginger, brother, Darrell, and her parents. Along with the animals precious to her, notably, her horse Montana and her cat, Sweetie Pie. Along with her family, she is survived by everyone who loved and knew her. Fritz will be forever in our hearts.

Funeral Services have been scheduled for Saturday August 5, 2023 1:00p.m at Cornerstone Church, 400 North Avenue, Sunnyside, Washington  98944.