Frances A. Belden

Frances A. Belden, of Wichita, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 86.She is survived by five children, Deanna Belden Miner of Wichita, Brent (Michele) Belden of Lyons, Wade Belden of Olathe, Kirk (Chris) Anderson of Wichita, and Cris (Michelle) Anderson of Wichita. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Ann Huff-Anderson of Derby; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, Howard Richard “Dick” Anderson; son, Todd Anderson; grandson, Wyatt Anderson; and sister, Shirley Edmundson. Born on February 20, 1937, Fran was the youngest of Francis and Edith Frantz’s two daughters. Fran grew up on a Lane County farm and graduated from Dighton High School, Dighton KS. Fran received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Denver and M.A. in Counseling from Wichita State University. In Wichita, Fran used her education and innate empathy at the Women’s Crisis Center and later at Planned Parenthood Great Plains she was the first Human Sexuality Educators in Kansas Public Schools. Fran finished her professional career as a counselor in Dr. George Tiller’s office. Though Fran, her family, and her colleagues received horrendous threats, particularly during the 1991 Summer of Mercy, Fran strongly believed in living out her convictions.Fran’s compassion and ear for listening did not stop outside of work. It did not matter if you were a relative, an old friend, or about to become a new friend. She would listen to you, regardless of your walk of life, without judgment. She was a loving and dedicated wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Time was also dedicated to supporting numerous charitable causes, including those at Grace Presbyterian Church, Economy Corner, and Wesley Hospital. Fran enjoyed spending time with loved ones, reading, writing, crafting, and taking exercise classes.Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, July 21, 2023, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 5002 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS. Interment will follow at Wichita Park Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Girls On The Run, P.O. Box 533, Maize, KS 67101; or Grace Bus Ticket Ministry c/o Grace Presbyterian Church.Arrangements have been entrusted to Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita.