Frankie Ann Whitesides

Frankie Whitesides, 86, passed away on October 20, in Rogers, Arkansas at Mercy Hospital. She was born in Clarendon, Texas on April 25, 1928, to Lillie (Owens) and Hays Robbins. They relocated to Whiteface where she was on the women's high school state champion basketball team. Frankie met the love of her life, Ed Whitesides, while they were students at Texas Tech University. They married in 1947, and began a nomadic life that took them across the state to El Paso, Paint Rock, Mount Pleasant, San Angelo, and Austin. In every location they made life long friends who joined together to form a core group who enjoyed traveling the world, dancing, playing cards, putting on stage plays, hunting, boating, fishing, and attending every fair and stock show in the state of Texas. Frankie loved every job she had and retired from the Texas Department of Agriculture in 1990. Returning to San Angelo in 1990, Frankie and Ed reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. After Ed's death, Frankie traveled extensively with boon companion Doris Kensing, became a Red Hat lady, played Marathon Bridge, and took up line dancing. Frankie is remembered as a loving wife and mother, loyal friend, helpful neighbor, creative costume designer, adept pet trainer, holiday celebrant extraordinaire, champion hostess, reluctant camper, true blue Dallas Cowboy fan, and as the original Jing-a-Ling. Her strong faith in God allowed her contagious smile to make everyone feel welcome and at ease in every situation. Frankie is survived by son Rob and daughter-in-law, Cheryl of Bella Vista, Arkansas; daughter Jane of Glasgow, Missouri; grandson Ryan Whitesides and granddaughter Misty Whitesides of Austin; and great granddaughter Layla and great grandson Ethan of Austin. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters, and one brother. There will be a celebration of Frankie's life on November 8, 2014 at 4:00 pm at the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Dr. Mal Hierholzer officiating in San Angelo. Memorials may be made to the Paint Rock Memorial Cemetery Association, First United Methodist Church of Paint Rock or to your favorite charity.