Memorial service for Frances Carson will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2018 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ernie Bishop officiating. Frances Carson age 97 passed away on January 6, 2018 at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, WY.

Frances Jewel (Weltner) Carson was born in Decker, MT July 24, 1920 to Frederick John Weltner, and Emma Theresa (Timm) Weltner. Frances graduated from Sheridan, WY High School in 1938 and shortly thereafter married Mike Stetz. They were blessed with two children, before they divorced in 1958 and he passed away in 1960; daughter, Shirley Jean (Stetz) Donaldson born in 1947 and a son, Frederick Michael Stetz born in 1949.

In 1960, Frances married Robert Theodore Carson and she became a proud stepmother to Gary and Bill Carson. The family moved to Gillette in the early 60's where they started up, owned and operated many businesses such as, the Green Trim Motel from 1966-1971, the Sunset Motel was operated from 1967 until the early 70's. Camel Drilling was in 1971 through the early 70's and The Carson Mobile Home Sales from 1969 through the mid 70's but Frances's pride and joy was the Weltner Wonder Museum which was her parents private Museum collection brought to Gillette from Hardin, MT in 1969 and it was operated for almost 10 years before the property was sold and the artifacts were rehoused in the Rocking Chair Antique shop she opened in Sheridan, WY on the land they owned. France was quite the historian and enjoyed teaching all who came in to her museum.

Frances enjoyed all types of hobbies, such as crafting and dancing, ranching, raising cattle and horses, restoration of classic cars and car shows. She loved taking cruises and traveling to new places. She enjoyed hiking and being outdoors in the mountains. She loved being surrounded by friends and raising her beloved family. Frances Jewel Carson was an amazing, smart, strong, hardworking, smile through everything, fun and loving woman who will be greatly missed.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Shirley( Floyd) Donaldson of Rozet, WY; sons, Fred (Ngoc) Stetz of Casper, WY, Gary (Carol) Carson of Gillette, WY, and Bill (Tina) Carson of Gillette, WY; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Emma Weltner; brother, Jean F. Weltner; first husband, Mike Stetz; second husband, Robert T. Carson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that memorials be made in Frances' name to benefit families of Close to Home Hospice who need additional support.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

The Sheridan Press - Jan. 10, 2018.