Graybill, Frances Tillie (Horak)

Frances Tillie (Horak) Graybill, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully surrounded by her family early Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial: 9:30 a.m. Friday at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church by the Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: Saint John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, where a vigil service begins at 7 p.m.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda of Cedar Rapids; sons, David of Minneapolis, Minn. and Steve (Judy) of Saint Paul, Minn.; daughter-in-law, Sue of Lindstrom, Minn.; seven grandchildren, Melissa (Vic), Daniel, Michael, Joseph (Rachel), Guy, Chelsea and Jeffrey; and 18 nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bud; her parents, Ben and Otilia; two brothers, Joseph (Helen) and George (Betty) Horak; two sisters, Helen Nemec and Mary Orr; and her youngest son, James.

Frances was born Jan. 30, 1923, in Cedar Rapids. She grew up on 18th Avenue SW, walking across the 16th Avenue bridge railing to Saint Wenceslaus School where she graduated in 1941. Frances attended many area dances with the Kazimour girls, until she met Bud at Danceland after World War II. Bud and Frances were married at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church on Aug. 12, 1947. Bud had promised her “never a dull moment” and that is what their marriage was. This included dances, dinners, tennis and golf dates with several interesting people including her husband; trips to Europe, England, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, Hawaii and both coasts of the United States; moves to several Iowa towns, a couple of Minnesota cities, a Wisconsin lake or two, Sun City West, Ariz., Bridgeport, Neb. and finally returning to Cedar Rapids in 2000.

Frances has had many titles in her life: Ice Queen, Mrs. G, Bud's wife, Fran, Ma, Jimmy's Mom, Aunt Frannie and Grandma Fran. All of which she executed with grace and class. Her last years were busy with graduations, weddings, Golden Oldies and trying to keep the deer out of her yard. She will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial fund has been established in her name.

Online condolences may be left for the family at under “obituaries.”

Published in The Gazette Nov. 28, 2012.