Frances Myrtle Harker

Frances Myrtle Denney Harker, 97, of Shelley passed away peacefully on November 14, 2016, surrounded by her family who loved her very much.

Frances was born in Lovell, Wyoming April 6, 1919 to Leroy and Myrtle Skidmore Denney.

At age six her family moved to Downey, Idaho. She spent the remainder of her childhood there surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended Idaho State University where she graduated and became a teacher. Her first job was in Woodville teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and band. It was there she met John R. Harker. They were married June 6, 1940 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

They resided in Jameston, Idaho where they welcomed eight children to their family. When the youngest turned six she returned to teaching in Shelley and taught there until all her children had left the home!

After retirement John and Frances pursued their dream and served four missions for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. They served in Alabama, Zimbabwe, South Africa, West Virginia and California.

Frances was preceded in death by her mother, father, loving husband, one son, one granddaughter, and two brothers.

She is survived by seven children; Helen (Lyn) Thompson, Denney (Susan) Harker, Sara (Don) Barry, Graydon (Maurine) Harker, Mary Lynne (Lane) Bowen, Martin (Shauna) Harker, Shelley (Roger) Cook, 34 grandchildren, 83 great grandchildren and counting.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Gables of Shelley for the loving care they showed our mother the last four years.

We also are indebted to our sister, Shelley, for always being there for both mom and dad in their golden years.


Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Shelley South Stake Center (675 South Milton). The family will meet with friends Friday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Saturday morning from 11:00 till 11:40 A.M. at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.