Frances Isabelle Gortmaker

Frances Isabelle (Rasdall) Gortmaker

January 16, 1933 – July 10, 2025

 

Frances Isabelle Gortmaker (née Rasdall), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Colorado Springs on July 10, 2025, at the age of 92, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

 

Born in Farmington, Kansas, on January 16, 1933, to James Randolph and Genevieve Louise (Koontz) Rasdall, Fran spent her early years in Atchison before moving to Kansas City. She attended Wyandotte High School and later earned her GED—an achievement that reflected her determination and inner strength. She went on to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and the Kansas City Toll Office, which later became part of AT&T.

 

Fran was a devoted and loving mother to her three children—Pam, Jerry, and Danny—who were the pride and joy of her life. She often said their births changed her life for the better, and her love and unwavering support made that deeply felt throughout the years.

 

She cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, holding dear the memories of family trips, especially to the Royal Gorge.

 

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her beloved husband Gerald Gortmaker, and her daughter Pam. She is survived by her sons Jerry and Danny; grandchildren Brandy, Misti, Shaun, Matt, and Dillon; and great-grandchildren Trystan, Jenna, Alex, Logan, Serenity, and Elektra—all of whom will forever carry her love in their hearts.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause she deeply admired.