Lillian "Frances" Rhines

Lillian "Frances" Rhines, 84, died Monday April 30, 2007 in Springfield. She was born in Dayton, Ohio and moved to the Ozarks with her family in 1963. Over the years she worked at the VA Hospital (in Dayton), Kenny's Flower Shop, Tony Thornton Auction Service and finally for the city of Springfield in the Police Department and at Women Infants & Children (WIC). She enjoyed being productive and didn't retire from the city until October 1997 at the age of 75.

After her retirement, she supported organizations that provided educational materials to children in need. She was an enthusiastic recycler and avid (as well as accomplished) crossword and word puzzle buff. She was arranging letters to the very end.

She is survived by her sister, Marie Hunt Leathley of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; children, Karin Rhines of Valhalla, NY, Sandra Rhines of Kailua, HI, John Rhines of Miamisburg, OH, and Joanne Kennedy of Springfield. She also had 3 grandchildren, Gregory Rhines, Morgan Stallings, and Adam Kennedy.

There is no service and her ashes will be scattered in the warm waters of beautiful Kailua Beach in Hawaii. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Springfield Planned Parenthood or any elementary school teacher to assist with supplies.

We will miss her forever.