Frances Penner Warkentin was born to Edward D. and Helena Goossen Penner on October 30, 1929 at Rosenort, MB. She peacefully departed this life at the Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB, on June 19, 2012. She reached the age of 82 years. Death was caused by complications of scleroderma. Frances grew up at Rosenort, MB. At the age of thirteen years, she was converted and upon the confession of her faith was baptized on December 27, 1942 into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Isaac Toews. To these vows she was faithful to the end. Frances grew up on the family farm. She received her primary education in the Rosenort area. She quit early to help with duties at home. Later she continued her education and went into nurses training. She used her nursing talents in Mexico at Camp 45 and also various places in Manitoba. She enjoyed traveling and a trip to the Holy Land. Frances was a people person and made many friends in various places. She reached out to others with a caring heart. In later years, she enjoyed teaching school. On October 11, 1998 she was united in marriage to our father Edward P. Warkentin at Rosenort, MB becoming our mother and grandmother. Very special to her were the few years they enjoyed at Norquay, SK before moving to Steinbach in 2002. We appreciated the companionship they shared and the role she played as a mother and grandmother. They shared life’s joys and sorrows for 8 ½ years till Dad passed away on May 1, 2007. Frances didn’t let her illness hinder her from enjoying life. She lived it to the fullest till the end. Because of her illness she carried certain fears, but two years ago she committed her health into the hand of God and He blessed her with a serenity and acceptance that was a true comfort to her. Those left to morn her passing are her children: Howard & Elfrieda Warkentin, Hyas, SK, Julie & Franklin Friesen, Meeting Creek, AB, Bernie and Sherrill Warkentin, Hyas, SK, Lois Warkentin, Steinbach, MB, Dwight & Chris Warkentin, Edberg, AB, Gloria & Kevin Goossen, Mount Lehman, BC, eighteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, her brothers and sisters: Adina and Jac Isaac, Steinbach, MB, Marcella & Maynard Friesen, Roblin, MB, Stanley & Lenora Penner, Rich Hill, MO, Harold & Ruth Penner, Murray, KY, Gladys & Sherwin, Alexandria, ON, Joyce Penner, Rosenort, MB, Joanne Penner, Rosenort, MB, Helena & Glenn Schneider, Leesburg, OH, Stella Penner, Rosenort, MB, Roland & Doris Penner, St. Mary, ON, brother-in-law Ed R. Penner, Grandview, MB, sister-in-law Frances Penner, Elma, MB, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters, one brother and one grandson. The family would like to express a hearty thank you to the Maplewood Manor staff for their loving care to Frances. Also thanks to Dr. Illchyna and Bethesda Hospital staff. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 7:00 with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m. the Northstar Mennonite Church in Norquay, SK with interment at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Frances may be made to Maplewood Manor, 284 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB R5G 1K3