Francette Veteto, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Francette was born to parents Clay and Cecile Lightner in Louisburg, on Aug. 16, 1923. Her mother was a French War Bride from La Rochelle, France, and her father was an American soldier that met at the end of World War I. Francette grew up in Iola, and attended Iola schools. In 1932, her father died in a tragic work accident southwest of Iola, leaving her mother to raise her and her siblings during the Great Depression. In 1941, she won the Miss Iola style and beauty contest and later graduated from Iola High School in 1942. On Oct. 2, 1943, she married Howard G. Veteto in Iola. She and her husband made their home west of Colony, where Howard operated a farm and landscaping business.
Both Howard and Francette placed their faith in Jesus Christ and were devout Christians. Francette served the Lord through teaching Sunday School and the Colony Good News Club. She and her husband were also active in supporting Christian missionary work and took many trips to foreign mission fields. They had a strong desire to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the world.
Francette was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Lightner, brothers William Lightner, Harry Lightner who was killed in action during World War II and John Lightner, husband Howard Veteto, daughter Claudette Wright, and great-granddaughter Claudette Elyse Elliott.
Survivors include 5 children, Sherry Veteto of Lees Summit, Mo., Candie Shanahan and her husband Scott of Paola, Rochelle Clayton and her husband Doug of Chattanooga, Tenn., Jeanne McVietty and her husband Greg of Lees Summit, Mo., Mark Veteto and his wife Ruth of Lees Summit, Mo.; son in law Terry Wright of Overland Park; 19 grandchildren 38 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at the First Baptist Church, Iola. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery, Iola. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org) and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement