Frances Van Weelden 1930-2016

Frances Van Weelden, 85, of Findlay, passed away February 13, 2016 at Bridge Hospice Care Center. She was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 26, 1930 to the late Henry and Vera Harjes. Frances married Arthur Van Weelden in 1948 and he preceded her in death. Frances was raised on a large farm which included a large Racehorse operation. That's where Frances began her love for animals. They were her best friends growing up and to this day. Her life was far from average as her parents had racehorses and as a child she remembered taking care of Mae West' racehorses and was given a large autographed picture of Mae West which was her cherished possession. As an adult, her love for racehorses continued as she had her own stable at the Hancock County Fair grounds and owed quite a few racehorses of her own. Frances would buy racehorses that were neglected and would give them TLC and nurse them back to health and would race them at county fairs and Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio and other places in Michigan. Frances is survived by daughter, Pam Leass (Van Weelden), husband Joe of Findlay, OH; and daughter-in-law, Chris Van Weelden. She loved her family and loved helping raise her 6 grandchildren, Britton and Francesca Leass both of Findlay, Joslyn (Justin) of Chicago, Ill, Dennis (Laura) Van Weelden of Columbus, OH, Benjamin (Jackie) Van Weelden of Troy, OH, and Brandon (Sarah) Peterson of Findlay. Four great-grandchildren, Briston, Darrian, and Jaycee Leass, and Karalyn McDonald all from Findlay; and special friend, Thom Thompson. Her life was fulfilled and truly blessed with her family and her pets, which she leaves behind her fur baby companions, "Indy" her dog, and her three cats, "Toes", "Jackie", and "Charlie". Frances was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dennis Van Weelden. The family would like to extend a big thank you to the ICU and Hospice Units for the care offered to Frances and the family during this difficult time. Frances could never refuse any animal and took in a lot of homeless animals. She loved and cared for wild birds and squirrels and even tamed a few. Frances always looked forward to the Kentucky Derby every year! Her family and her love of animals was her life!! Friends and family may visit on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500). A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 19 at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Knollcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, at her request and her family, memorial contributions in Frances's name may be made to All Species Adoption Program, 15628 Township Highway 42, Carey, Ohio 43316, c/o Tami Schmidt, www.asaprescue,org