Frances I. Blekkink of Lompoc died Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the age of 91.

Frances was born February 19, 1917 in Minot, North Dakota to William and Williamina Read. She was raised and educated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduating from Roosevelt High School. In 1958 she moved to California settling in San Diego. Formerly of Whittier, she has been a resident of Lompoc since 2003.

A lifelong homemaker, Frances enjoyed gardening, interior decorating and playing the piano. She was a church organist in Minneapolis and produced the pageant for the Minnesota State centennial. She attended Bethany Lutheran Church.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband John Blekkink in 2001. She is survived by her sons Phil S. Crawford of Phelan, California, Arthur W. Crawford of Newton, Massachusetts, James R. Crawford of Whittier, and Leslie R. Crawford of Sebastopol; daughters Frances I. Lipshay of Surprise, Arizona and Ann Picha of Lompoc; 15 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Her sister Mary Adeline Storlie and her granddaughter Natalie Baccus Crawford also preceded her in death.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, with Pastor Joe Byrd officiating. Cremation will be followed by interment in the Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to the Lompoc Convalescent Care Center or Bethany Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.