Frances M. Russell, 86 of Sparta, died Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta.  She was born on January 10, 1922 in Humbird Township, Clark County, WI to Earl and Margarete (Lubinski) Pierce. She grew up in the Humbird area.

     She lived in Black River Falls and moved to Sparta in the 1950’s.  She helped establish the 1^st day care center in Sparta and retired from Finance & Accounting at Fort McCoy in 1988.  She then worked part-time with Lutheran Social Services helping disabled adults for 7 years.

     She is survived by her children, Francis (Ellie) Coleman of St. Louis, MO, Sue (Dale) Nauman of Sparta, Sandra Morgan of Verona, WI, and Holly (Dave Bevis) Russell of Alexandria, VA; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine (Allen) Stanley of Marshfield, WI; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Frances was preceded in death by her husbands, Myron Coleman and Hallan Russell; a daughter, Constance; and 2 brothers, Howard and Ted Pierce.

     Funeral services will be on Monday, July 28, 2008 at the United Methodist Church, Sparta at 10 a.m. with Reverend David Carlson officiating.  Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Sunday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Monday at the United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until the time of services.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.