Frances Jean Latta

1945-2025

  Frances Jean Latta, 79 of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     She was born June 25, 1945 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Albert “Judge” Lee and Mary Margaret Karnes Frey.  Frances graduated from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, IL with the class of 1963 and later from Gem City Business College in Quincy, IL.

     On October 25, 1970 Frances was united in marriage to Larry Dean Latta at First Christian Church in Keokuk.  He preceded her in death on November 19, 2006. 

     Frances was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, where she had served as liturgist and lay servant. Frances was also a dedicated member of the church’s hospitality ministry and found great joy in serving meals with the Trinity Ladies and also God’s Way Christian Center.   She was also a member of the P.E.O. and was a member of the Hamilton Methodist Church Bell Choir. 

     Frances had been employed by Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, IA for twenty years until her retirement on June 30, 2005.  She then worked for Motorola in Schaumburg, IL and Ft. Lauderdale, FL for twenty years, Lauderdale Reporting for three years, General Mills in Keokuk for seven years and Leon Lamet Law Office in Warsaw, IL.

     Frances loved sports and was an avid Chicago Bears football fan, Chase Elliott NASCAR fan and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.  She was a talented quilter and master of counted cross-stitch, weaving intricate patterns with patience and skill. Jigsaw puzzles brought her hours of enjoyment. She was a passionate reader and also loved to travel, visiting all fifty states and numerous countries.  

     She is survived by two sisters, Linda Waldren (Bob) of Montrose, IA and Susan Cochran (Randy) of St. Charles, IL and one brother, Scott Frey (Peggy) of Keokuk.  She is also survived by seven nieces, Jill Garrelts, Celeste El Anfaoui, Sara Frey Clark, Kellie Frey, Vickie Bertini, Robyn Collins, Becky Faul and, two nephews, Thomas Frey and David Cochran and several great nieces and great nephews. 

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents. 

     A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Dave Barrett officiating.  Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw, IL. 

     Visitation will be held from 5-7:30 p.m., Monday at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Blessing Hospital Heart Department.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com