Bonham, Texas -- Mary Frances Vest, 94, of Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the Wesley House in Bonham.
Born on June 21, 1932, in Cleburne, Texas, Frances was the daughter of Clarence and Clara Hodo. She married the love of her life, Morris Junior Vest, on January 8, 1951, in Celina, Texas. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2006.
Frances was a woman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures and treasured every moment spent with family and friends. She loved sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee, watching the cars pass by, and never missed her favorite game shows. She was a talented cook, remembered especially for her homemade hot rolls and the many fruits and vegetables she lovingly canned and shared with family, friends, and neighbors.
One of Frances's happiest places was Sandy Creek Ranch, where she spent countless summers caring for those around her. She made sure everyone who came to work at the ranch had something to eat, whether it was her famous squirrel dumplings, fresh vegetables from the garden, homemade hot rolls, or even a simple bologna sandwich.
She found great joy in taking her children to the swimming pool at Sandy Creek Ranch, though she always stayed on the side because she joked that she would start choking if the water got above her ankles. She never learned to swim, and that became one of the many stories her family loved to tell. Her generous heart, warm hospitality, and gift for making everyone feel welcome were among the many ways she showed her love.
Frances also loved playing "42," camping, gardening, tending her yard, vacationing in Branson, and spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Clara Hodo; her beloved husband, Morris Junior Vest; her son, Michael Vest; her grandson, Dustin Elk; her brothers, Vernon Hodo and Wesley Hodo; and her sister, Dorothy Russell.
She is survived by her son, Mark Vest and wife, Debbie, of Windom; her daughters, Becky Elk and husband, Daryl, of the Boyd Community, and Sharon Walker and husband, Tim, of the Sandy Community; her grandchildren, Eric Vest, Amber Sutherland and husband, Sean, Mitzi Jones and husband, Cody, Hunter Walker and wife, Amanda, Heather Sears and husband, Kyle, and Haley Krebs and husband, Benjamin; her great-grandchildren, Katie Baldwin and husband, Braden, Abbie Sutherland, Sadie Jones, Sterling Jones, Aidan Connell, Ethan Walker, Dylan Walker, Hudson Walker, Landyn Reaves, Melanie Sears, Clara Sears, Drake Krebs, and Brooke Krebs; her sister, Lonita and husband, Othal; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 7th & Main Baptist Church in Bonham. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Ricky Granstaff officiating, assisted by David Eaton. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina, with Bro. Cody Nelson officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Vest, Hunter Walker, Cody Jones, Kyle Sears, Sean Sutherland, Jack Vest, Steve Vest, and Ernie Vest.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mitzi Jones, Amber Sutherland, Heather Sears, and Haley Krebs.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Wesley House, Guardian Hospice, Debra Granstaff, and Frances's dear friends at Wesley House, Ann Stroud and Polly Murray, for the exceptional love, care, and compassion shown to her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dustin Elk Scholarship Fund or to the Windom SNAP Center.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
