Frances Hettie Whitney

Frances Hettie Whitney (Tvrs) was born May 10, 1938 in Chadron Hospital. She passed away peacefully in Chadron Hospital on October 17th, 2023. She was the second child of Benjamin H. Whitney and Elizabeth Margaret Ann Whitney (Elsberry). She was born on her Aunt Francis Schildhauer’s 21st birthday, and they named her after her Aunt Frances. Her older brother David was excited to be a big brother. She was raised on her family farm south of Hay Springs. She attended the Banner School then graduated from Hay Springs High School. In 1955 she met Richard (Dick) Tvrs, dated and were married on March 4, 1956. Dick joined the Army and the couple moved to Camp Hanford, in Richland Washington. After his Army service the family moved to San Diego California. The couple had three children Robert, Teresa and Jane. They raised the children in Santee, were active in their church, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They made many lifelong friends and enjoyed camping with their friends. They returned to the Midwest in 1975 to be closer to their family.

Fran had many careers during her life, was a lifelong learner always challenging herself and succeeding. In the late 80’s she returned to Chadron. She found love again with Chuck Arthur in the late 80’s and they settled just outside of Chadron. Chuck & Fran enjoyed dancing, camping, fishing, gardening, traveling and visits to the grandkids.

Fran loved to garden, spoil her pets, camp and spend time with family. She was always so proud of her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Richard Tvrs, Brother David Whitney, daughter Sandra Moore of Fullerton, NE, son Robert Tvrs of Tioga, TX , and grandchildren Beth Ann Gordon and Lewis Gordon III of Virginia Beach, VA.

Fran is survived by Charles (Chuck) Arthur of Chadron, daughter Teresa Tvrs James of Escondido, CA, sister Jane Gordon (Lewis II) of Virginia Beach, VA, daughter in law Jan Sutherland Tvrs of Tioga, TX, Granddaughter Whitney Plotkin (Casey), Grandson Nicholas James (Fernanda), Granddaughter Lacey Covey (Johnny) of Hemingford, NE, Granddaughter Mischelle Little (Jody) and Grandson Benjamin of Oregon and great-grandchilden.