Frances L. Middleton, of Coupeville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 4.

Fran was born on July 14, 1928, to Maurice D. and Bernice F. Whitney in Denver, Colo.

She graduated from Rocky Ford Colorado High School. She attended the University of Colorado at Denver, South Dakota Teachers College and the University of Washington.

Fran married in 1948 and had one daughter, Patria Lee Thomas of Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1964, she married John R. Middleton, and she had two step-daughters. The couple lived in Bellevue until 1972, when the family moved to Coupeville. She worked with her husband as furniture manufacturing representatives out of the Seattle Furniture Mart.

Fran loved animals, and surrounded herself with her horses, dogs and cats. She opened the Longview Kitty Inn from 1987-2009. She felt blessed to serve the community of cat owners of Whidbey. She loved all her kitty friends and knew them all by name.

Fran cherished her church family and friends who were faithful to watch over her after her husband’s death. She is survived by her daughter, Patria Lee Thomas of Santa Fe; three granddaughters, Mina Lee Thomas Sass of Mission, B.C., Canada, Matia Lynn Larranaga of Sacramento, Calif. and Semia Lee McConnell of Blaine; and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and her two step-daughters, Chrissa Beck and Holly Becker.

Fran loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., Aug. 1, at Centerpoint Christian Fellowship, 16604 SR 20, Coupeville. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com