Franque Marcene Meliza, 78, Garnett, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at Richmond Healthcare and Rehab in Richmond.
She was born on June 29, 1939, in Ottawa, the daughter of Charles Cyrus and Helen L. (Barber) Chilcote. She was a graduate of Iola High School, Iola Junior College and Kansas State University (B.S. in math).
Franque married Robert Andrew Meliza Jr. on Feb. 3, 1963, in Wichita. This union was blessed with two daughters.
She lived in Iola, Wichita, and the Garnett areas. Franque worked as the church secretary for a short time at the Christian Church in Iola, at the library at K-State, at Ralston Purina in Wichita, Elliot’s Dairy and the church secretary at the First Christian Church in Garnett. Franque was a charter member of the Arc in Anderson County, and wrote the Arc Newsletter for over 30 years.
Franque enjoyed volunteering, playing the piano for various youth groups, nursing homes, church and Sunday schools, and she also was a choir director for 12 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church and a 50-year member in the Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading, working jigsaw and word puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Chilcote; daughter, Robyn Meliza; and brother, Charles William Chilcote.
Franque is survived by her husband, Robert Meliza, of the home; one daughter, Holly Renee Meliza; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church, Garnett, with burial following in the Garnett Cemetery. Family will greet friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Lakemary Foundation or to First Christian Church.
You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Franque Meliza
