Frances Amelia Bader passed away on August 28, 2023, at the age of 73. She was born on July 31, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, to Henry and Frances Garcia. Fran leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and compassion that will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Fran was a loving, caring, and determined person who loved helping and was always putting others before herself. She went back to high school to get her diploma, worked for the Red Cross and Westerners, and held a black belt in Karate. Fran moved to Eminence, Missouri, on June 16, 1992, where she graduated from the Police Academy. She began her professional career in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff and dispatcher in Shannon County, Missouri. She also served as a first responder and firefighter. Fran was known for her remarkable ability to connect with those around her, earning the respect and admiration of both colleagues and citizens alike. She loved volunteering for the elementary school, reading to children, and helping teachers. Fran was involved with Bikers for Kids, B.A.C.A., and Patriot Guard Riders. She loved doing what she could to protect children and support fallen veterans.
Beyond her career, Fran cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared a deep bond of love and commitment with her husband, Don “Scott” Bader. Fran was also a loving mother to her children, Rodney, who passed away March 1, 2011, Christopher, Bryan, and Briann, whose life he enriched with her kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.
In her leisure time, Fran found solace and joy in spending time with her family. The one thing she lived for was her grandchildren, whom she loved being around. She loved their energy, especially while having them paint her face with stickers, paint, or makeup. Even when she started having an inability for physical activities, she would find other things to do with them, like make slime, sew, and share her passion for doing crafts. She loved to write stories about her grandchildren, as well as about the family and the crazy things we did.
Fran is survived by her beloved husband, Scott Bader; their children, Christopher Bader, Bryan Bader, and Briann (Benjamen) Snell; daughter-in-law, Tammy Bader; grandchildren, Ashley, Isaiah, Logan, Amelia, and Riley Bader, and Briley and Emma Snell; brothers, Kenneth and Hank Garcia; she is also remembered by numerous extended family members, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate enough to share in her remarkable life.
Fran was definitely one of a kind and was a mother to anyone she met, and everyone considered her mom. She had a big heart and an adventurous spirit. May she rest in eternal peace.
A family-guided memorial service will be held on September 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Eminence, Missouri, with Darrell Jones and Randy Ferguson officiating. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
