Frances M. Hanson passed away at the age of 83 on December 26, 2010 at Custer Community Hospital surrounded by family.


Frances was born November 17, 1927, to Ida M (Eastman) and Max L Husaboe in Trent, SD. As a child, her family moved to Custer . Frances graduated from Custer High School in 1945. She attended Black Hills Teacher's College in Spearfish where she received a teacher' s certificate. She taught in rural schools for five years.

On January 7, 1949, she married the love of her life, Dick A. Hanson, at the Community Church Parsonage in Custer, SD by Rev. Baldwin. To this union, three children were born: Terry Lee, Mary Lou, and Kristy Kay. Dick and Frances lived in various areas of Wyoming until 1958 when Terry began school. At this time they moved back to Custer to make their home.


Frances worked at Scott's Rock Shop before going to work in the Custer County Courthouse in 1964. She worked as a clerk in various offices before becoming the Deputy Treasurer, Deputy Register of Deeds and the Custer County Auditor in 1971. She served in that position for 23 years. During that time, she served five terms, and was secretary for the Custer County Commissioners. She served three years as secretary to the Black Hills Association of County Commissioners and held a three-year term on the South Dakota Association of County Officials Executive Board. December 9, 1994, was declared Frances Mae Hanson Day by Walter D. Miller, Governor of the State of South Dakota. On January 3, 1995, after 31 years of service to Custer County, Frances retired from the County Auditor position to begin her next job, that of Custer County Commissioner, which she served for two terms before retiring.

Frances devoted her life to the betterment of her community with the many civic organizations she belonged to. She served in leadership roles in many of the following: Business and Professional Women's organization, Custer County Republican Women, Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE), Senior Center Coalition of the Aging, Custer County Housing and Redevelopment housing Commission, Community Action Team (CAT), Executive Board of the Western South Dakota Community Action, Inc., Custer County Historical Society, Custer Senior Citizens, Daughter's of the American Revolution (DAR), and treasurer for the 1881 Courthouse Museum.

Frances was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was very proud of having five generations and would tell the story to those that had time to listen. She shined when her great-grandson was born on her 70th birthday. Those she met, she greeted with a smile. She was most happy helping others.



On Christmas Day, 2010, as she prepared to celebrate the day with family, her Heavenly Father was preparing the celebration to call her home. On December 26, 2010, Frances passed from this world. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick; son, Terry Lee; daughter, Mary Lou; and her parents.

Blessed for having shared her life are her daughter, Kristy Schmitz, Rapid City; grandchildren, Teresa Storm, Jeff Storm, and Cory Schmitz and their father, Curt Schmitz, all of Custer, great-grandchildren Rachelle, Lane and Brody; and great-great granddaughter, Autumn; three sisters: Faith Heinz, West Bend, Wi.; Joyce Grubbs, Bothell, Wa.; and Maxine (Roger) Lang, Beresford, SD. Frances is also survived by numerous brother-and-sister in-laws, as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established for the Custer County 1881 Courthouse Museum.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Custer Community Church with Pastor Bill Comfort and Pastor Bill Savery officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.