OBITUARY: Frances Hope (Sanders) Dyhrkopp

Frances Hope (Sanders) Dyhrkopp, 86 of Shawneetown, passed away Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at her home on Gold Hill Ranch.

She was born Jan. 21, 1928, in Old Shawneetown.

On Sept. 14, 1946, Frances married Einar Dyhrkopp, who preceded her in death. They had an only son Anthony "Tony" W. Dyhrkopp, who preceded them both in death. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Sanders Schwander; and her grandparents, Guy and Janie Lambert.

Frances graduated from high school in Huntington Beach, Calif. She received her bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She also studied abroad in Mexico City, majoring in Spanish.

She was a lifelong Democrat and active in the Democratic party at the local, state, and national levels. Frances was Christian by faith. She was an avid historian, especially when it came to Southern Illinois, the Civil War and her family's genealogy. Frances enjoyed spending her free time with her family, riding horses on Gold Hill, reading, writing poetry, drinking coffee and playing her harmonica. She also loved watching the wildlife around her home, talking on the phone with her friends and listening to the scanner.

Frances is survived by her three grandchildren, Douglas (Jennifer) Dyhrkopp, Kara (Derek) Brass and Aaron (Jessica) Dyhrkopp; her daughter-in-law, Ellen Dyhrkopp Bush; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia Brass, Anthony, Lauren and Benjamin Dyhrkopp; many cousins and special friends, including Joyce Thompson and Kay Rehbein. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

As per Frances' request, graveside services will be held at Westwood Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Nelson officiating at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Shawneetown Public Library and the Gallatin County Historical Society. Cox and Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.