Frances Jane Ingram Markus Sands has entered into eternal life. Fran was the only child of Rosemarie (Korcek) and Charles Ingram; was born at Lincoln General Hospital July 17th, 1927. She is survived by her children Michael Charles Markus, Rosemarie Ann Markus, and Jay Charles Sands. Granddaughters Michelle and Maria Markus. The family of William Charles Ingram, and special friends Amy Culver and Harriet Morrissey. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands (Jay H. Sands and Clarence “Chuck” Markus).
Fran and Jay were owners of Sands Construction residential and commercial builders and Wick building Dealers. After Jay’s unexpected death in 1998, Fran completed the construction jobs in progress and continued with the Wick building dealership. She was one of the top dealers nationally in 2000, earning two all-inclusive trips to the five-star Moon Palace in Cancun. She sold her last building and retired when she was 76 years old.
Fran inherited a deep and compassionate love for animals; her first word was “hoorse,” as was her daughter’s. She was never without dogs, horses, cats, or all three. She bred, raised, and exhibited AQHA horses included state, national, world, and superior champions.
Fran graduated from high school as a straight A student, cheerleader, majorette, and basketball captain. She was also a Red Cross swimming instructor and life guard at the local state park. She had to grow up in a hurry due to WWII; attempted to enlist in the cadet nurses but was too young. She continued school before working for the federal government at The Strategic Air Command and the St. Louis administration center.
When our surviving servicemen returned home and gas, meat, sugar, etc. rationing were over, Fran returned to Kearney to be near her parents. Happy days were here again, so he spent the next years enjoying life with four lifetime girlfriends having fun and also working with a building contracting business. She spent hundreds of hours at AQHA shows, traveling, fishing, hunting; enjoying her two and four legged friends; and continued to do so after marrying and having her three children. The coffee pot was always on for friends and customers at Fran’s Home and Offices.
She enjoyed cooking for family, friends, and business associates. Fran brought people together for all types of events and holidays.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday (1-14-17) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Memorials in lieu of flowers can be directed to the Epona Horse Rescue, 20100 SW 114th Street, Crete, NE, 68333.