Frances Dell (Lee) Bird, 73 of Springfield, MO passed away July 16, 2012. She was born September 16, 1938 near Shannon City, IA to the late Dorothy Hazel (Swank) and Floyd Garfield Lee.

She attended rural schools in Lincoln and Dodge townships in Union County, IA. Frances was active in 4H, cheerleading and glee clubs and graduated from Lorimor High School in 1957.

She moved to Creston, IA and met Jerry Lee Bird, where they were married on September 27, 1957 and to this union four sons were born. He preceded her in death March 27, 1998. She and Jerry were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Creston and had a strong Christian faith that they shared with their children.

Frances was a stay at home mom and watched children in her home before going to work at a childcare facility. In 1983, she went to work at Greater Community Hospital in Creston in the Dietary Department. During her time working there, Frances went to school to further her education. In 2003, after 20 years of service, she retired from GHC as Dietary Manager.

In 2004, Frances and her sister, Linda Fitch, decided to take the next step and move to Springfield, MO, where they met many wonderful people. She began working at St. Johns in their daycare facility. She thoroughly enjoyed being around the children and she loved that they referred to her as ?Ms. Fran.? Frances was a devout member of Faith Lutheran Church where she was extremely active.

Survivors include her four sons, Jerry Lee Bird and wife Cheryl of Oklahoma City, OK, James Allen Bird and wife Lana and Jeffrey Michael Bird all of Creston, IA, Joel David Bird and wife Brenda of Atlantic, IA; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; siblings, Linda Fitch of Cedar Falls, IA and George Lee and wife Pilar of Alamagordo, NM; three nephews and one niece.

In January 2012, Frances was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. To her last days she lived life one day at a time and woke each morning with a smile. Many people might become bitter with knowing their time of passing was coming, but not Frances. Her strong Christian faith shined bright for she knew she was going to a better place by the grace of God.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., in Faith Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be made to www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.