Mary Frances Benavides of Del Norte, Colo., returned to our Lord on Sept. 2, 2023. She was born on April 18, 1948, in La Garita, Colo. Frances grew up in La Garita and worked as a teacher aide for the Del Norte School District, as the church secretary for several years at Holy Name of Mary in Del Norte, then returned to the Del Norte School District to be a bus driver before retiring.

Frances spent her entire life loving and supporting her family. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She spent time enjoying the mountains while camping with them and her husband. She enjoyed fishing, going for walks, and just feeling close to God while there. Frances was a strong Catholic and dedicated much of her time to the church and helping others. She also enjoyed growing, buying and planting flowers in her yard.

She is survived by her sons Larry (Denise) Benavides, Freddie Glen (Theresa) Benavides, her grandchildren, Dana (Dwight) Barlow, Khrystynn (Matthew) Cano, Kaleigh (Matthew) White, Alexander Benavides, Brett (Maxine) Benavides, Natalie Benavides, Tomas Benavides, Jesse James Benavides, Austin Roberts, and her great-grandchildren, Zoey, Camrey and Kenzey Barlow, Miles Cano, Madilynn, Phoenix, Xander Benavides, and her sisters Ramona (Henry) Pena, Vicki Allarid, Marvine (Gilbert) Madril, and Joann (Terry) Lenertz.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred Benavides, son Lawrence Benavides, mother Juanita Aguilar, sister Lucy Benavides, sister Kathy Benavides, and several aunts and uncles.

A rosary will be held Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Church in Monte Vista at 7 p.m. Services will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at 1 p.m., followed by interment at the Del Norte Cemetery.

Arrangements in Care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home in Monte Vista.