Frances "Frannie" Kottler

After 97 years of living life fully, fiercely, and always on her own terms, Frances J. “Frannie” Kottler passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a brief illness.

Frances was known for her strong spirit, quick determination, and unmistakable independence from an early age. As a young woman, when her parents did not want her to drive, she simply took the family car, found the keys, and taught herself anyway. That bold independence stayed with her throughout her life and became one of the qualities her family and friends admired most.

Her greatest joy was her family. Some of her most treasured years were spent as an active and devoted mother and grandmother. She poured herself into her children’s lives as a PTA president, room mother, Girl Scout cookie chairman, field trip driver, dedicated sports mom, and a constant presence in the lives of not only her own children and grandchildren, but also their many friends. She had a special gift for making others feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.

Frances— “Frannie” to her grandchildren—especially cherished her role as a grandmother. She was immensely proud of each of them and celebrated every milestone and accomplishment. One of her greatest joys was seeing three of her grandchildren graduate from Kansas State University, a point of enormous pride for a lifelong and loyal K-State Wildcat.

She was also known for the simple but unforgettable joys she created: her devotion to Special Olympics, camping trips and time spent outdoors, and what many would say were the very best pimento cheese sandwiches made with love and generously shared among friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Sarah (Bishop) McCabe; her sister, Joanne (Glenn) Goodman; and her beloved husband, Philip Kottler. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, loyalty, and enduring love.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Jill (J.D.) Wilks; her sons, Bruce Kottler and Paul Kottler; her grandchildren, Haley (Andrew Shores) Kottler, Jenna Wilks, Jackson Wilks, Peyton Kottler, Remington Kottler, Georgia Kottler, and Beau Kottler; her niece, Karen Goodman; and her former daughters-in-law, Trae Kottler and Bethany Powell.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Memorials have been established with Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. N, Wichita, KS 67226 and Capper Foundation, 3500 SW. Tenth Avenue Topeka, KS 66604.