1931-2023 Frances Marie (Parisoff) Bidding, 92, of St. Joseph passed away Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. She was born Jan. 17, 1931, in St. Joseph to Anna and Ottis Parisoff. Frances attended the Immaculate Conception school, where she enjoyed elocution classes, theater and dance. Frances was united in marriage to Jack Warren Bidding on Sept. 25, 1946. They shared seven children.

Jack unexpectedly passed in 1974. She never remarried, as she said, “One husband was enough.”

Her commitment as a military spouse took the family to Texas, Illinois and California. In December 1961, the family returned home to St. Joseph.

In 1967, Frances began her career with Memorial Park Cemetery. She found great joy in hearing others’ stories and succeeded at her job because of her ability to connect with people. She continued working there for 25 years.

She was of the Catholic faith, attending Mass at Cathedral Parish and often participating in faith groups led by Deacon Larry Hager (family relative). She loved Father Rick. In her last few years of decline, the family appreciated the visits from the church, especially Father Stephen Hansen.

We are thankful for the care she received for the past year at Advanced Care. Her caregivers expressed the utmost compassion. We are grateful for her roommate, Wonda Berry, who provided friendship and support to Frances and the family.

Frances is survived by six of her children, Jack Bidding, Carolyn (Paul) Brooks, Sue (Carl) White, Chuck (Cheryl) Bidding, Richard (Mary N.) Bidding and Bob (Kathy) Bidding; and a sister-in-law, Mary (Teddy) Parisoff, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was involved in many of the lives of her 12 surviving grandchildren: Kimberly Trueblood, Jacob White, Mindy Anaya, Jesse White, Jessica Mann, Kale Bidding, Gabriel Bidding, Logan Bidding, Ryan Bidding, Pierce Bidding, Anna Bidding and Andrew Bidding; along with 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Frances loved her family and made each one feel special.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Bidding; infant son, Kurt Bidding; parents, Anna and Ottis Parisoff; brothers, Gus, Alex, Ottis and Tom Parisoff; mother-in-law, Blanche Torbett; and sister-in-law, Ella Brahler.

The family will gather with friends 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts to St. Joseph Cathedral School. Online guest book and obituary at www. meierhoffer.com.

Frances Bidding