Published: October 21, 2009 10:15 am      

Eleanor Mapes Orts Francis

Eleanor Mapes Orts Francis, 96, a resident of San Marcos, passed away Oct. 20, 2009.

She was born Jan. 3, 1913, in Ft. Smith, Ark., to Leo and Ruth (Brown) Mapes.

Eleanor was an English Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for more than 33 years. She was a violinist and played with various orchestras, most recently with the Community Orchestra in Little Rock. Her kind and gentle spirit will be missed by many.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband Captain Diedrich H. Orts, and her second husband Theodore Francis.

She is survived by her daughter Marilyn O. Brister of San Marcos; her grandchildren Evelyn Brister and her husband John Capps, Edwin Brister, and Susie Brister; and great-grandchild Eamon Capps.

Eleanor is also survived by her step-children John Francis, Robert Francis, Paul Francis, Tony Francis, Kitty Austin, and Joan Anderson; her sister-in-law Doris Williamson Mapes; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives.

Graveside services will be Thursday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. in the San Marcos City Cemetery in San Marcos. Rev. Ed Kuny will be the officiant.

Funeral arrangements by Thomason Funeral Home, 2001 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, 396-2300.