Frances "Fran" Sanford Lightfritz

Frances Sanford Lightfritz

Beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted educator

1949 – July 23, 2025

Frances Sanford Lightfritz, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, surrounded by family in Strasburg, Colorado. Born in Kit Carson, Colorado, Fran spent the last 50 years living in and around Bennett, where she became a cherished member of the community and a beloved figure in the lives of many.

Fran dedicated much of her life to supporting children and families. As the secretary at Bennett Elementary School for many years, she was a steady and caring presence for students, staff, and parents alike. Her compassion extended well beyond her office—she spent time in the school library helping children learn to read and worked closely with students with special needs, offering encouragement and patience to every child she met.

Fran loved flowers, animals, children, and the color purple. She was known for her gentle heart, her nurturing spirit, and her quiet strength. Diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, Fran faced the illness with courage and grace, often lightening the burden with her sense of humor—cracking jokes about herself even as her mind began to fail her. Dementia is a cruel disease, but Fran’s love, optimism, and laughter shone through to the very end.

For the past two years, Fran was lovingly cared for by family in Strasburg, where she spent her final days surrounded by warmth and support.

Fran was preceded in death by her son Brian Bradley. 

She is survived by her daughter Lynell; her step-daughter Linita; her step-sons Art (and his wife Lalia), Curt (and his wife Kathy), and Raymond (and his wives Tasha and Jasmine); her grandchildren Jeran, Emma, Roman, Jameson, Ray (and his wife Rachel), Rachel, Michael, Grace, and Dorothy; and her great-grandchildren Riggs, RayRay, and Rixon.

Fran will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of the many people she touched with her kindness, humor, and unwavering love.