Althea Larson

FRANCES ALTHEA LARSON Sterling - Frances Althea (Warner) Larson, 95, of Sterling, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at her home. A 1935 graduate of Sterling Public Hospital School of Nursing, she served for 36 years on the CGH Medical Center Board of Directors. She was well-known for her regular visits with hospital patients and staff. Frances "Althea" was born March 8, 1914 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Hamden T. and Emma A. (Toppert) Warner. She married August A. Larson on December 12, 1935 in Antioch. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1974. She was a 69-year member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where she served as past president of the Women's Society and on various other boards and committees. She was also a member of Kings Daughters International for over 50 years, was past treasurer of the YWCA, involved with the Feed the Children Program through the Salvation Army, a member of the CGH Auxillary, and a CGH Health Foundation trustee for 15 years. She enjoyed reading, telephoning friends, knitting, traveling, crocheting and being with her family. Survivors include two sons, Richard (Dianna) Larson and John (Linda) Larson, both of Rock Falls; two sisters, Rogene (Jay) McGuinn, of Highpoint, NC, and Phyllis (Orlando) Nieland, of Monee, IL; one brother, Emmett (Andy) Warner, of Tucson, AZ; five grandchildren, Eric (Lupe) Larson, Yonda (Michael) Casten, Shana (Carmelo) Interone, Valerie Larson, and Matthew (Christina) Larson; and twelve great-grandchildren, Austin, Kirstin, Linnea and Quentin Larson, Jannika, Kyle and Ian Casten, Keanu and Arie Interone, Dillon and Mahala Larson, and Wesley Larson; and a special friend, Vicki Lopeman. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Kelly. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 4, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Reverend Nancy Weingartner, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 2-6 PM, Sunday, January 3, 2010, at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to the Wesley United Methodist Church and to CGH Foundations.