Frances C. Ahrens

Frances C. Ahrens, 87, of Topeka, died February 17, 2013 at Rolling Hills Health Center. She was born in Ferndale, Michigan on August 5, 1925 the daughter of Clement and Viola (Gorham) McCabe. Frances was retired from the Hickory House Restaurant where she was the manager. She enjoyed reading the paper, playing games with her grandchildren, and going to the casino. Frances was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church for over 55 years, a member of the Eagles Auxiliary and the Purple Hats Group. She married LaVern "Red" Ahrens in Ferndale, Michigan on October 26, 1946. They shared over 66 years of marriage together. She is also survived by her children, Pam (Denny) Walstrom of Topeka, and Robert Ahrens of Riverside, CA, two grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Walstrom of Prairie Village, Kansas and Kelly Walstrom of Topeka, and four grandchildren, Danielle Spence, Claire Walstrom, Jacob Spence and Megan Walstrom. A brother, Robert McCabe lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was preceded in death by a brother, William "Billy" McCabe and a sister, Mary Jane Alexander. Frances will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday after 2:00 p.m. She will lie in state at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Chruch on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. where a Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church or the Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.