Francine "Fran" Delores Bush

Mar 22, 1931 -

Jun 1, 2021

After a 30-year-battle with blood cancer, she passed away peacefully at home with her daughter and grandson by her side.

Fran was born in Milwaukee, Wis., to Bersha and Raymond Krause. She graduated high school from Long Beach Christian School in California, and as a family they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1949. She took her first job as a telephone operator and met her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert, who worked as a fireman in the same building. They remained in Fairbanks until 1988, then moved to Anchorage, Alaska.

Fran was a lifetime member of the Pioneers of Alaska and a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary. In the 1960s, she worked for the State of Alaska election office. In 1984, she became campaign coordinator for Reagan-Bush presidential election, and then in 1986 the Murkowski for senate re-election team. She was active in both local and national politics and many charitable organizations, including the president of the Mid Acres Garden Club. Fran also ran several pageants including the Ms. Fairbanks, the Centennial Queen and was involved in many NPC events as a certified judge.

Fran loved her travel, vacationing in Hawaii for many years and organizing tours to Europe, Singapore, Seoul and England. She was a house plant and gardening enthusiast and had a very special connection with her dog, G-Force.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; half brother, Russel; and husband, Robert L. Bush. She is survived by her daughter, Linda; grandson, Garry; great-granddaughter, Lilly; daughter-in-law, Rachel; and niece, Gail.