Obituary

France Elaine Carpenter passed away August 10, 2024, at the age of 83.
Frances was born September 28, 1940, to Clyde and Lucy Peterson in Mahnomen, Minnesota. The oldest of four children, she had many fond memories of growing up on a farm and doing all the farm chores alongside her siblings. She would often say “I would have to run to make sure I got my turn on the tractor!”

Frances attended Bellingham High School and graduated in 1958. She then decided to see what the world looked like outside of the farm and headed for California. Frances got a job working as a secretary and even worked for Howard Hughes for a while! Being a secretary led her to work at a race club where she met her husband, David Carpenter. They eloped in Las Vegas on March 14, 1964. They continued to live in California and soon welcomed a daughter, Christy, on January 9, 1967, and a son, David Jr., on August 23, 1969, who completed their family.

Frances moved back to Whatcom County in 1971, where she was a Meridian School bus driver for a short time. Frances spent the majority of her life being a mom and homemaker and put everything into raising her family. Frances had a fun and witty side about her, and anyone lucky enough to know her was treated with great love and kindness. She will be greatly missed by her entire family.

Frances was a very strong woman who fought her battle with cancer until the very end. The family would like to thank the hospice house for all of the care and compassion they gave to her.

Frances is survived by her children, Christy King and David Carpenter Jr. (Dina), grandchildren, Jessica King (Paul), Holli King, Kyle Carpenter (Kaytlyn), Brady Carpenter (Kasey) and Cara Carpenter, Great-Grandchildren Calvin, Chloe, & Baby C Carpenter and Berkley, Oakley, & Wynley Carpenter, Brother, Michael Peterson (Jyl), her special friend of many years, Bill Pinkstaff, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be a burial at Ten Mile Cemetery, August 22, 2024, 2:00 PM, followed by a celebration of her life at Bellwood Farms.