Frances Ida Oldham

Frances Ida (Bailey) Oldham, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Marshall and Marshall. Burial to follow at Rosemound cemetery in Waco, Texas.

Frances Ida (Bailey) Oldham, was born on September 26, 1931, in Coshocton, Ohio. She made her grand entrance into the world as the daughter of Bessie and Otis Bailey.

Frances met her match, the charming Texan Carl Oldham, in sunny Los Angeles, and they tied the knot in September 1958. Together, they embarked on the grand adventure of parenting eight children: Carl Jr., Sally, Harold, Virginia, Linda, Billy, Frances (Annie), and Rosemary. Yes, you read that right-eight! 

In 1961, the Oldham clan packed their bags and moved to Texas, where they planted roots and flourished. While Frances spent a lot of her time being a stay-at-home mom, she also had some fun years working at the Turkey Shop in Abbott, Texas. Once retirement came knocking, Frances embraced her role as Grandma with open arms. She loved to kick off her day with "The Price is Right" and wind down with Pat on "Wheel of Fortune," proving that life is a game of chances!

A world traveler at heart, Frances's favorite destination was Orlando, Florida, where she happily wore mouse ears and made memories. At the sprightly age of 92, she even took one last flight-talk about a high-flying grandma!

Frances leaves behind her four fabulous sisters: Dorothy McIntyre, Ina Lauvray , Virginia Thomas , and Betty Nixion. She is also survived by her two sons, Carl Jr. Oldham and Billy Oldham , along with five daughters: Sally Bullard, Virginia Rolan, Linda Sims, Annie Tufts , and Rosemary Nix. Her impressive clan of grandchildren and great-grandchildren will proudly carry on her joyful legacy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Bessie Bailey; father, Otis Bailey; husband, Carl Oldham; son, Harold Oldham; sisters, Barbara Walters, Helen Ford and Margaret Dow; as well as brother, Harold Bailey; grandkids, Donny Elston, Amanda Oldham, Billy Joe Oldham, and Bradley Tufts.  Frances will be deeply missed but cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.

Frances's infectious smile and radiant spirit will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She brought joy wherever she went, and her life was a testament to love, laughter, and a little bit of mischief. So let's celebrate her life with smiles, stories, and maybe a game of bingo in her honor!