Frances J. Sells, 86, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.
Frances was born on November 27, 1938, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the daughter of William F. and Ina Pearl (Harness) Carruthers. She grew up in Keosauqua, where she attended local schools and graduated from Van Buren High School. Following her graduation, she pursued her passion for beauty and style by attending Young’s School of Beauty in Galesburg, Illinois.
On June 15, 1957, Frances married Bill E. Orton; the couple later divorced in January 1965. She was later united in marriage to David H. Klein on May 16, 1968, and they divorced in December 1970. On September 15, 1988, Frances married Ernest D. Sells, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1994.
Frances dedicated many years to her career as a talented hairdresser. She co-owned The Hairdresser and The Clothesline, and later owned The New Beginning, all located in Monmouth. A devoted member of the First Christian Church in Monmouth, Frances found great joy in her faith and community. She loved spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and attending family reunions, moments that brought her the most happiness.
Surviving Frances are her three children, Gary (Betty) Orton of Memphis, MO, Larry Orton of Monmouth, IL, Angie (Jeff Miller) Taylor of Monmouth, IL; her grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Orton of Burlington, IA, Christel (Daryl) Chenault of Monmouth, IL, Sheena (Chris) Nichols of Memphis, MO, J.R. (Andrea) Orton of Blythewood, SC, Rayleen Eicher of Donnellson, IA, Joseph (Jordan Lovell) Newbury of Burlington, IA, William Newbury of Monmouth, IL; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and one sister, Freda Thornton of Donnellson, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest Sells; seven siblings, Jack, Arline, Howard, Evelyn, Don, Dorothy, and Jim.Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family burial of ashes will take place at Warren County Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
