Frances Marie (Caithamer) Welling

Frances Marie Caithamer Welling passed away on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 with her
husband and children by her side, breathing her out of this life with so much love. She was born
in Cicero, IL on March 10, 1957, the only daughter of Fred and Helen Patera Caithamer. Fran
was raised in Carpentersville, IL swimming in the lake behind her home, raising a zoo of
animals ranging from monkeys and raccoons to dogs, skunks, and guinea pigs, riding
motorcycles, rock hunting and enjoying many other adventures. While working at Wiebolt’s
department store, a cute stock boy by the name of Dean Ellis Welling, caught her eye and she
his. Dean won her over, and they were married on July 8th, 1978. Fran was blessed by three
children and devoted herself to raising them and watching their families grow. With her spunky
and fiery spirit, Fran was a hair stylist, actress, drama teacher, fire chief, dancer, cook, gardener
(particularly growing beautiful flowers), an advocate for anyone in need, and passionate about
dogs, dog training, and animals. Her family was always amazed at the many things she could
do and how she had the energy to do them. Fran is survived by her devoted husband Dean and
their fiesty dog Zeus, her three children Andrea Marie Welling and Michael Lawrence, Clinton
Ellis and Shannon Welling, and Jaclyn Belle and Nathan Harmon. She is also survived by her
three grandchildren - Ava Jayne and Veda Ray Harmon, Lillie Faythe Rose Welling, and three
granddogs - all of whom she adored and loved deeply. A celebration of her life will be held on
Friday, March 3rd at 1pm at Schwab Funeral Home in Thayne, Wyoming (211 Jepperson
Rd,Thayne, WY, 83127). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made at Lucky’s
Place Animal Shelter in Thayne, WY (https://www.luckys.place/donate/) or to an animal shelter
of your choice.