CAIRO, Ill. — Gerrel Frances Baggett Bledsoe Rundles of Cairo died Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Frances worked for Cairo Elks Lodge No. 651 for 18 years. She then worked for Mid South Towing, Teco Barge Line and United Barge Line for 22 years as a cook on the river.

She was a faithful member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo. She loved her church and volunteering at the church thrift shop. Coordinating the bereavement dinners was an important ministry to her.

She is survived by one daughter, Tina (Bryan) Harris-Klein of Wickliffe, Kentucky; one son, Kenneth (Lisa) Rundles of Lovelaceville, Kentucky; one brother, Richard (Dee) Bledsoe of Jacksonville, North Carolina; a niece, Melissa (Jason) Koontz of Wickliffe; her granddaughters, Sabrina Rundles of Cairo, Crystal Harris of Wickliffe and Brittany Rundles of Metropolis, Illinois; and grandsons, Blake (Seth) Rundles of West Paducah, Kentucky, and Chase Rundles of Lovelaceville, Kentucky; six great-grandchildren, Cameron, Payten, AJ, Aurora, Alissa and Dylan; cousin, Mary Droge of Wickliffe; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Baggett and Violet Bledsoe; a son, Joseph H. Rundles Jr.; a brother, Donnie Bledsoe; a sister, Patricia Lampkin; and a grandson, Brandon Rundles.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the activity center at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center. The Rev. Dr. Larry Potts, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Beechwood Cemetery in Mounds, Illinois.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.