"Kercheval family....I worked with your mom for 16 years at Bergan mercy. She was such a great woman. I was sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to you all. She will be missed greatly by many."
In loving memory of
Frances Arleta Kercheval
August 20, 2020
The Legacy of Frances Arleta Kercheval began October 11, 1934 to Vallie and Arleta Webster in Greenville, Illinois. Upon the early death of her mother, Frances was raised by her paternal aunt, Agnes 'Angel' Curtwright in Omaha, Nebraska whom she considered her mother. She spent the early part of her life living between Greenville and Omaha and ultimately living the remainder of her life in Omaha.
She confessed her love to Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of The Holy Name Catholic Church. She attended Omaha Technical High School.
As an adult, Frances worked for over 45 years at Archbishop Bergan Mercy Hospital. She worked in multiple departments from the nursery to physical therapy and finishing up her career in the X-ray department. Frances was devoted to her patients and co-workers. In fact, after her retirement Frances returned to Bergan as a volunteer for several more years. She had such a calming soft voice, welcoming smile and was loved by everyone.
Frances was united in holy matrimony with Leonard Kercheval for 55 years. With this union they raised their children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren as one loving family.
Frances truly loved and adored her family. She would often say, "I started out as an only child and now I have all of you.". She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. Her delicious favorites were pot roast, chili, meatloaf, cabbage rolls, peach cobbler, banana nut bread and cherry pie just to name a few.
Frances was a strong presence in her grandchildren's lives. Some of her most memorable times were spent watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their academic, hobbies and sporting events. They always knew Grandma Frances was in the stands, cheering them on with tasty bags of snacks for afterwards.
Frances was very active throughout her life. She was very independent. While she didn't drive, that didn't stop her from getting to where she wanted to go thanks to MAT MOBY Bus Transportation. Whether it's going to the movies or shopping or visiting family or friends, Frances was able to get to where she wanted. She also loved playing Pokeno with her 'girlfriends'. She loved to travel to visit family. One of her most memorial trips was to Washington, DC where she was able to get a selfie outside the windows of the Oval Office while President Obama was in office!! One of her last trips was last year when she spent Christmas in Houston, TX with her Texas family.
Frances was a sports fanatic! She loved to bowl. She participated in several bowling leagues across town. But the one she loved the most was the Cornhusker State bowling Games. There she not only won Gold medals but silver and bronze medals as well. Her annual trips to Lincoln, NE to attend these games with her husband were the highlight of her summers.
And speaking of 'Cornhuskers', she was a loyal Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. She would frequently attend home games as often as she could. She also had the pleasure of meeting several Husker players. Seeing her face light up when she met the likes of 'Johnny Rodgers', 'Tommy Frazier', 'Brion Cranes', and 'Rex Burkhead' and many, many more was such a delight not only for her but the players themselves. Win or lose she loved her Huskers!!
She also loved watching the NFL, NBA, and boxing. She had the pleasure of going to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies, not once but TWICE!!! There she had to opportunity to her favorite team, the Pittsburg Steelers play live.
But what she loved best was simply having her family hang out in her living room watching Lifetime Movies, 'Blue Bloods', or anything on 'ESPN'. Simply put - she loved just being with her family.
Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Vallie and Arleta Webster, mother, Agnes Curtwright and husband, Leonard Kercheval.
She leaves behind treasured memories with her sister Judy Heagy (Michael).
A special thanks to her 'sister-cousin', Adele Harris. Adele held a special spot in Frances' heart. Their friendship and love will always be cherished.
To Bobby Harris (Lilly-Mae). His love and support for Frances is beyond words. No matter what she needed, Bobby was always there for her. She truly appreciated everything he did for her. She loved him from the bottom of her heart.
And special acknowledgement to her 'daughters-from-other-mothers' Sabrina Crawford and Liara Baylon. To her you were her 6th daughter and 9th granddaughter. She will love you both forever.
A special gratitude to the Nelson, Rose, Mitchells, and Kercheval families and all her many friends.
As we all know, while she loved her family equally, she always made each of us feel as if we were her 'FAVORITES' but there was always a special spot for her 'BOYS'...
She leaves behind the following love ones to tell her story and keep her love alive:
8 children: James William Curtwright, Patricia Nelson, Jack (Tina) Nelson, Catherine Nelson, Valiena Nelson, Robert (La Tacha) Kercheval, Tammie (Timothy) Kercheval-Rice, and Teresa Kercheval.
18 Grandchildren: Christopher (Sonya), Rickey, NaKisha (Brian Sr. "Tubby"), VaTrina, Terrence Sr., Ricia, Joseph, Brittney (Karlton), Derek, Amber, Timothy Jr., Khambrel, Alsina (T'erra), Donte` (Alexandra), Kendale, Regine, Jesse, and Raven.
20+ Great-grandchildren: Brianna, Aleil, Kerrine, Nia, Shandon, Brian Jr., James III, Terrence Jr., Kyaire, Xazion, Amir, Ja'Rell, Ty'aire, Jayla, Ja'Lencia, Timothy III, Karter, Kamden, TerRiyan, Aizea, Rae'oine, Ja'Leyah (due Sept 30, 2020).
And to all the other love ones and friends she was blessed enough to meet throughout her long life, may she continue to be a positive beacon of Light, Laughter and Love - Thank You.
________________________________________
Matthew 25:21
His Lord said unto him, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Wednesday, September 2nd, VISITATION 5-6pm, VIGIL SERVICE 6pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. MASS OF CATHOLIC BURIAL: Thursday September 3rd, at 10:30am at Holy Name Church, 2901 Fontenelle Blvd Omaha.
Mask required for all services.
The service on Wednesday evening will be live-streamed. A link will be posted to this page (below) at approximately 5:45 PM. Click on the link to watch.
https://boxcast.tv/view/frances-a-kercheval-memorial-service-187724
Tributes
"Jehovah God promises a time when ?he will actually swallow up death forever.? (Isaiah 25:8) To remove death, he must eliminate its root cause, which is sin. God will do this through Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus resurrected Lazarus, John 11:38-44. He will do this earth-wide, Rev 21:4. In the near future, we will see all our dear loved ones who have passed away in death. I can't wait to see Uncle Gunga and Aunt Frances, my parents and others once again alive and healthy right here on Earth as Jehovah intended for mankind!"
"I had the pleasure of working with Frances for many years at Bergan, she truly was a beautiful person inside & out, always had a warm smile & kind words to say. I?m sure she is enjoying the presence of our dear Lord & all those who went before her. God bless. Carol (Windler) Hoover RN @ Bergan "
"SandraNelson express her love always and forever u have my aunt my friend mom we love aunt the Nelson and Bradley family"
"Love you family I wish I was there . I'm praying for God will give you peace, love and comfort. Your Seattle family love you all and thinking of you! ((Hugs))"
"For many years it was my privilege to work with Francis in the Radiology department at Bergan. She was a very special lady all of us were fortunate to work with. (I still use one of her recipes) Jan Hague RN"
"Always and Forever in my heart. Love you always Momma K.......Vickey Vaughn "
"To the Family of Frances Kercheval: What fond memories I have of your mother while working with her at Bergan Mercy. She was a special and wonderful lady. She made each of her patients feel special and that they were her only concern. This attitude was infectious to those of us who had the privilege of working along side of her. She was very proud of her family and loved to talk about them! I was lucky enough to meet Leonard and some of her children when they would come to Bergan Mercy. You have my deepest sympathy. Dan Cerny X-ray Tech ? Bergan Mercy "
"Ms. K was one of the sweetious person I know I have known almost 40 yrs she was a great mom and grandma rest in heaven Ms. K love Reece"
"My condolences to The Kercheval Family, Your Mom was such a sweet and lovely person. And, She was a major Husker fan. She will be missed. Sincerely, Christina "
"My name is Barbie Veann Hackney - Sending my deepest condolences to the family. I will never forget my conversation with Ms. Francis walking on the beach in Jacksonville Florida on the family trip for Robert's youngest daughter's graduation. She stopped, hugged me, thanked me and called me an Angel because of my encouraging words of dealing with losing loved ones that God put on my heart at the . God knows when to pick his Precious Flowers. Their spirit is always with us and God took them home to Glory. No more struggling with illnesses and medications. She was still healing from the passing of her Husband. For years later, I often thought about her warm natural sweet spirit. May God continue to bless and keep the family in His Loving care."
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, Please be comforted by the hope that you will see your beloved one again in the very near future. Hosea 13:14"
"Hi, my name is Robbie and I met mrs. Kercheval through Robert, we were friends. I swear, she was the sweetest lady I have met in a very very long time and it was refreshing to my soul. From time to time I would run into her at Walmart and we would stop and talk for a little while.. She will be truly missed for her smile was contagious. Rest in peace."