Frances Fithian Wieters, 96, of Olivet, SD, died January 21, 2015, at Seven Sisters Living Center in Hot Springs, SD.

France was the youngest of 9 children born to David Fithian. Twice widowed, David had 5 children from his first marriage to Eva Ward: Florence, Ivan, Maureen, Evelyn, Margaret and 4 from his second marriage to Jennie Petersen: Mary, Alice, Helen, and Frances. When Frances was 2 months old her mother died of influenza.

Frances spent her primary years in Freeman, SD. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Hutchinson County. In 1939, Frances married Ralph Wieters with whom she had 2 children: Sandra 'Kay' and Julia. Frances and Ralph raised their daughters on the family farm outside Olivet, SD, and retired to Mesa, AZ.

Her parents, siblings, spouse and one granddaughter, Michelle Barber, precede Frances in death.


She is survived by her daughters, Sandra 'Kay' Streeter, Julia 'Judy' Ellen Barber; 6 grandchildren, Bill (Cathy) Streeter, Bob (Susan) Streeter, Jennifer (Ed) Streeter Sarb, Deb (Larry) Barber Pratt, Richard (April) Streeter, Shawn (Janell)Barber; 10 great grandchildren, Zachary, Brennen, Taylor, Shade, Elizabeth, Ireland, and Thomas Streeter; Jake and Dillon Sarb, and Brittany Pratt.

The family would like to thank the Seven Sisters Living Center's staff for the care and attention they gave to Frances in her final days.