Frances (Rogers) Chase Obituary

Description: Frances (Rogers) Chase Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...

Frances (Rogers) Chase

March 14, 1939 ~ January 20, 2026 (age 86)

Obituary

Frances Jane (Rogers) Chase, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, while residing at the Bent County Healthcare Center in Las Animas, CO. She had been a victim of dementia for a number of years.  She entered the Prairie Pines Assisted Living in Eads near her son, Del Chase and family, at age 80.   After a fall, she was admitted to the nursing home for a short stay before moving to Las Animas, CO. 

Frances was born to William Marion and Velma Vera (Rice) Rogers on March 14, 1939 in Shaw, CO and was raised on the family farm near the Genoa/Arriba area until their house burned down.   After which time the family moved into Arriba.  Growing up on the family farm, raising cattle, horses, and chickens and tending a garden, kept everyone busy. 

Frances often shared memories of her childhood, from the long rides on horseback to school to the challenges of war rationing and blackouts during the Dust Bowl.  She graduated from Arriba High School on May 16, 1956, alongside 11 classmates, leaving her mark as a cheerleader, Carnival Queen, and class officer for 4 years. Affectionately known as “calm, cool, and collected” by her peers, Frances brought a spirit of camaraderie to her school community, excelling in academics and softball.

Frances had caught the eye of Flagler resident, Delbert Chase.  They were married on May 28, 1956 at the Burlington Courthouse in Burlington, CO.  As a married couple, they first lived outside of Arriba and then settled in Flagler, next to the water tower in a Sears and Roebuck house kit. To their union was born Delbert Ray Jr., Debra Lynn, and Shannon Lane.   Frances remained in that home until a few years after Delbert passed away.  Frances eventually moved to the Pioneer Valley Apartments as she faced the challenges being able to keep up with the lawn and house maintenance.

Frances served 20 years as a leader for the Willing Workers 4-H Club, sewed, gardened, canned and taught her children games she played as a child.  She was very active in the First Congregational Church in Flagler, CO for many years, volunteering at the Bargain Shop and helping with funeral meals.  This lifestyle was such a part of her, that when her dementia worsened, she would think she needed to go into the kitchen and prepare a funeral meal or had been working at the Bargain Shop that day. Frances began working at the First National Bank of Flagler March of 1978 as the bookkeeper and later transitioned to the Compliance Department.   After retirement in December 2002, Frances and Delbert did a bit of traveling and from the pictures, it looks like they had a good time. 

Frances loved her Lord, trusting in Him as she pressed on in life, even with its bumps and curves. She’d always say she’ll be here until He said it was her time to go. She was a giving person, dedicated hard worker, reliable and dependable, traits which she passed on to her children and set an example for those she worked with.   She loved her family and enjoyed being with her grandchildren whenever the opportunity presented itself, making many cherished memories. Hearing her talk and seeing the numerous videos and pictures, it was evident that they were her pride and joy.   As time passed, and everyone got a little older and dementia setting in, not as much time was spent together, but she treasured her memories and their names still brought a smile to her face. 

Frances was close to and empathetic with some of her nieces over the years. She was always looking out for them and supporting their endeavors.  Ancestry and Scrapbooking were as close to hobbies that Frances had. She also enjoyed listening to music, beautiful sunsets and sitting outdoors on a nice day. 

During Frances’ stay at the Bent County Healthcare Center, she was found roaming the hallway at night with the intention of “sneaking up on and scaring” the staff and during BINGO, shouting out “We’ve got a bingo!”  She’s experienced things such as, thinking that the facility was her house and everybody’s spending her dime putting on all those parties, to wanting to provide comfort and solace to those she heard and saw upset.   And everything in between.  Sometimes her reactions seem light-hearted and funny, but in reality, it is just sad.

All of the facilities called her both “Sweet and Ornery”.    At Prairie Pines the family was told that she would walk across a four-lane highway and a set of railroad tracks to get to the store to purchase baloney and cigarettes.    The cigarettes would be confiscated at the door and Frances would ask, “How did you know?” and staff would say, “I can see them through your sack”.   The next time they were in the waistband of her pants!   Maybe staff should have added the word “Clever” to the “Sweet and Ornery” or perhaps even “Sneaky!”

She will be always loved, forever missed and never forgotten!

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Delbert; parents, Marion and Velma Rogers; grandson, Cameron Chase; step grandson, Brock Benson; brothers, Robert “Bob” Rogers, Harold “Frank” Rogers, Harry Rogers, and Albert Rogers; sisters; Vera “Violet” Perino, Edna Dickman, Alice Gale, Ruby Rogers, and Adeline Rogers; nieces, Donna Payne, Cindy Wilson, and Linda Wiebe; nephews, David Rogers and Roy Rogers.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ruth; sons, Del (Lori) Chase and children, Tatum (Blake) Russell and their daughter Atlee Mae, and Maggie Chase; Shannon (Jill) Chase and children, Lian Chase and Jade Chase; daughter, Debbie (Russ) Benson and children, Walter Kraft, Zackery Kraft and his daughter Sophie, and Bryant Benson; sister-in-law, Phyllis Rogers; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sangre de Cristo Community Care in care of Valley Funeral & Cremation, P.O. Box 431, Las Animas, CO 81054.

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