Marshelene "Marcy" Francka passed peacefully at Magnolia Square on 9/2/25.  Marshelene Louhanna Thompson was born 10/06/37 in Goodhope, MO (Douglas County) to Mabel Grace Davidson Thompson and William Larkin Thompson as the youngest of two children.  She was raised by her mother in Douglas County.  She considered Springfield, where she lived her adult life to be her home.

After graduation from Ava High School, she attended beauty school in Springfield. Her name was shortened to Marcy by an employer who thought customers wouldn't remember her given name.  Marcy was a skilled, hardworking hairdresser for over forty years until her retirement.  Marcy owned her own shop for a period of time and was employed at shops in Springfield during her career.  She valued the relationships she developed over the years with her customers.

Marcy was united in marriage to Gary Tony Francka on 4/27/68 at Sacred Heart in Bolivar, MO.  They remained united in marriage until his death on 12/23/10.  She spoke more frequently as years passed of being reunited with Gary, who no doubt was waiting for her.  They had a
daughter Mindy Denise who survives.

Marcy was a loving wife, mother, and daughter who took pride in her family.  Marcy gave her daughter the childhood she herself didn't have.  Her daughter's childhood had an abundance of love and great memories, breaking generational trauma.

Marcy converted to Catholicism after her marriage.  She was devoted to her faith which was a source of peace and strength.   enjoyed learning about the Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, and praying the Rosary.  She was a former member of Holy Trinity and Saint Agnes parishes.

Marcy was shy, yet underneath that quiet exterior was a keen sense of humor and the love of a good prank, like the time she accepted a dare from her family to sneak into the fair in in a hatchback.  Marcy had unsurpassed skills as the ultimate backseat driver with her passenger side brake always at the ready.  She had a gentle heart, a strong spirit, a beautiful smile, a sweet laugh, and was a natural caretaker.  Marcy loved all of God's creatures and had a very tender heart even hating to kill bugs.  She never had a skinny or unspoiled pet.  Several were surely awaiting their reunion with her at The Rainbow Bridge.  To be loved by her was a gift to be cherished.

Marcy enjoyed family, hair/fashion, shopping, antiquing, decorating, cooking, the color black, watching The Walton's, and a strong cup of black coffee.  She loved music (especially Elvis) and was known for blaring her stereo too loudly.  Marcy was a great cook who collected cookbooks.  She was forever on a quest for the perfect pie crust recipe.  Many pie crusts never made it as far as the oven (only the trash can) because they didn't meet her standards.  Her cookbooks were filled with notes in the margins denoting good recipes and the ultimate insult to a recipe "not much."

Marcy was also preceded in death by her beloved brother Richard Eugene; stepmother Wilma Ballard Thompson; special cousin Gerald Davidson; special cousins J.D. and Pauline Thompson; dear friends Fred and Lela Deckard.  Until we meet again Mom.

Thanks to Magnolia Square and its family of caregivers for loving care throughout her years there.  Also, to Seasons Hospice for their compassionate support.

Marcy will be cremated per her wishes with interment at private graveside services at Hazelwood Cemetery in the fall when the leaves turn, which was her favorite time of year.  Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services have been entrusted with arrangements.