Veeder, Frances "Fran" Dorothy 102 passed away Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Gila Regional Medical Center. A Funeral Service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 10:00am with Mr. Tip Ward officiating. A Private Burial will be held at a later time.

Mrs. Veeder is survived by her husband Arthur "Art" Veeder, niece Betty Williams, brother-in-law Lloyd Veeder and numerous relatives and many friends. Fran and Art were married in Hot Springs, New Mexico on May 1, 1946 which is known as T or C. Her husband was working for the NM State Highway Department and she was hired as a cook for the State project crew at the time. Fran and her husband then moved to Silver City, NM where Art started an assay and metallurgical office and she helped with the assays, but she was still able to give much time to such endeavors as Girl Scout Leader, Red Cross Nurse's Aide at Fort Bayard's Veteran Center, and Church work. She gave of herself tirelessly. In 1953 in Grants, NM Fran and Art both hired out as uranium chemists for the Anaconda Company, during this time Fran opened up a flower and gift shop; it was the only florist there. In 1963 she sold her flower shop and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She never gave up on flowers; she continued making floral arrangements for wedding chapels. She managed the Dunes Flower and Gift Shop. While in Las Vegas she enjoyed taking trips with her husband to St. George, Utah for peace and quiet, they would go fishing in Pine Valley. Then in 1973 Fran wanted to move there and open a gift shop and her husband retired in 1979. Then she moved back to Silver City, NM, Fran opened a gift shop for eight years until she reached the age of 78 then closed the shop. Fran and her husband were avid supporters of The First United Methodist Church from 1946 to 1953 and again from 1980 to the present time. Fran never lost her enthusiasm for living and was crocheting an afgan up until the last hour of her passing.

In Lieu of flowers and donations; The 180 Club, Support Group of Gila Regional Hospice and The United Methodist Church. Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Avenue, Silver City, New Mexico 88061, 575-388-1911. To send condolences login to www.brightfuneral.com.