JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Frances Louise Nickens, 94, of Jefferson City and formerly of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018, at St. Joseph's Bluffs in Jefferson City.

She was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Piggott, Arkansas, the daughter of Clifford and Agnes Hunt Gales. She was married Jan. 5, 1943, in St. Louis to John R. Nickens, who preceded her in death Dec. 24, 1990.

Frances attended school in Malden, Missouri, and graduated from Malden High School. She spent her life caring for her family and cherished her time with them. She also loved to read.

A homemaker, Frances worked in a factory making bullets during World War II.

Survivors include her children, Pat Derryberry-Felter (Richard) of Jefferson City and Linda Dunker (Paul) of Highland, Illinois; a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Nickens of Houston; a brother-in-law, Clyde Hawes (Carolyn) of Sikeston, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, Dean Derryberry (Rhonda) of Carthage, Missouri, Molly Bexten (Gregg) of Jefferson City, Suzane Roberts (Mike) of Carthage, Jeff Derryberry (Kelly) of Carthage, Jennipher Graf (Phil) of West Chicago, Illinois, Tom Dunker (Jamie) of Knoxville, Illinois, Jane Attaway (John) of Germantown, Illinois, Jessica Hester (Chad) of Germantown, John Nickens IV (Marylea) of Houston and Benjamin Nickens (Tana) and Gabe Nickens, both of Dallas; 33 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Agnes Gales; her husband, John Nickens; four siblings; and her son, John R. Nickens III, who passed away in 2017.

Frances' family will be holding a service at 11 a.m. Aug. 4 at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Preferred Hospice in Columbia, Missouri, or St. Joseph's Bluffs in Jefferson City.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, www.freemanmortuary.com.