NAPA -- Frances Evelyn Calkins fell asleep quietly, trusting Jesus, on Oct. 27, 2009, at Queen of theValley Medical Center. She was surrounded by her family.

Frances Evelyn Calkins was born in the county of Hereford, England, on Jan. 13, 1920, to Edith and Ernest Jones. She became an accomplished seamstress and worked as a dressmaker in a shop near London. She continued to work as a seamstress throughout her life.

She met the love of her life, David Henry Calkins, in the church they attended, during his service in the U.S. Army. They were married in 1945. She remained in England until the end of the war, when she joined her husband in New York. They lived most of their lives in the Napa Valley, where David worked as a building contractor. She became the bookkeeper for their business. David predeceased her in 2008.

Frances was a faithful and dedicated member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was an articulate speaker and excellent teacher. She was well known for her presentations on mission stories and scripture readings. She was a very active, 36-year member of the Yountville Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she served as a deaconess. She enjoyed greeting people and welcoming them into her church. She was a real witness to the God she loved and trusted with all her heart.

Frances was a very devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her children, as well as making most of their clothing while they were growing up. She was well known for being a phenomenal cook. She loved baking goodies for her neighbors and friends. She made her home a haven for all who entered. She delighted in being a grandmother, and great-grandmother and was a loving, guiding presence in all of their lives. She cherished every minute she spent with them, especially during the last year.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her physician, Dr. James Peters, and all of her caregivers.

Left to cherish her memory is her brother, Geoffrey Jones of England; her three children: Sue Alexander (Sam) of Napa, Geoffrey Calkins (Cathy) of Napa, and Laura Nye (Mike) of Napa; her six grandchildren: Kara Jezierski (Don), Dana VanHook (Ryan), Kevin Alexander (Aprille), Heather Calkins, Shauna Calkins, Jonathan Hughes, Vanessa Hughes and David Nye (Christy); and four great-grandchildren: Noelle Calkins, Krista VanHook, Kyler VanHook and Kari VanHook. Along with her family, a host of friends will remember Frances with fond memories in their hearts.

All are invited to a celebration of France’s life that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m., at the Yountville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1820 Finnell Road, Yountville. Pastor Sam Alexander will be officiating.

Because of her strong belief in Christian education, donations may be given in memory of Frances Calkins to Napa Christian, 2201 Pine St., Napa, CA 94559 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Richard Pierce Funeral Service, at 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Family and friends are invited to send their condolences online at www.rpfsc.com.