FRANCIS "FRANNIE" STEEFER ELLIOT

Francis "Frannie" Steefer Elliot, 86, was born November 29, 1923 in Minter, MN to George and Millie (Steefer) Elliot. He departed this life on February 10, 2010 at his home in Theodosia, MO.

The Elliot family moved to a farm north of Mountain Grove, MO while Frannie was a young child. He attended school there, graduating in 1941. At age 19 he bought his first grocery store in Mountain Grove which later became Elliot's Super Market, an early member of the Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield, MO.

In 1973, he and his wife Laura moved the business to Theodosia, MO where Frannie could pursue his love for fishing. At age 69, in 1992, he retired and sold the market to Bill and Nadine Cook.

Frannie was saved during a revival meeting at a little Baptist church north of Mountain Grove, when he was a teenager. The church became the joy of his entire life. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and worked with building projects—whatever was needed.

He leaves many beautiful memories for his wife, Laura, and their children.

Frannie is survived by his wife Laura of the home in Theodosia, MO; one daughter Patsy Copeland; two granddaughters Stacy Alford and her husband Richard and Shannon White and her little daughter Elizabeth – all of Panama City, FL; step children include a son Robert Johnson and his wife Kathy of Hays, KS; a daughter Barbara Withers and her husband Keith of Springfield, MO; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Frannie leaves one brother Ray Elliot of Moberly, MO; two sisters Mary Mason of Memphis, TN and Ila Donaldson of Kansas City, KS; and many more relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 15, 2010 at the Lakeland Southern Baptist Church in Theodosia, MO with Fred Spreeuwers officiating. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Mountain Grove, MO.