Mary Bucher

Mary Frances Bucher passed away Tuesday evening, March 14, 2006, at her home after an extended illness.

She is survived by three daughters, Melinda Shelton of Houston, Texas, Mary Beth Woodward of Atlanta, Ga., Martha Pearce of Mobile, Ala.; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Cathy Bucher of Sikeston, Mo. She leaves behind 10 beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mary Frances' husband of 57 years, James H. Bucher, preceded her in death May 18, 1999. Mary Frances had one sibling, Rosanna Nitsche of Seattle, Wash., who also predeceased her.

Mary Frances was born April 23,1920, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Al and Ella Zimmer. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree In education.

In 1943 she married Jim Bucher of Cairo, Ill. She and Jim moved to Sikeston from Cape Girardeau In the late 1940s.

Mary Frances was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many. Her boundless energy kept her active at St. Francis Xavier Church. She was one of the founding members of the Catholic ladies organization, Daughters of Isabella. She exhibited her deep faith throughout her life, looking forward every Friday to her meeting with the Prayer Group. These special ladies met every Friday for over 30 years.

Being a wonderful wife and mother, she spent endless years, watching over her growing family and loving husband. Mary Frances was also loved deeply by her late sister's children, Brad, Laura and Bruce Nitsche. She became their surrogate mom when Rosanna died In 1969.

One of Mom's great treasures late in her life were her six fine great-grandchildren whom she shamelessly spoiled at every opportunity.

"Tancie", as she was known by her many friends, through her energy and charm leaves this world a much better place, and will forever be remembered by all those whose lives she touched.

To the many fine people who Included Mom as one of their friends, our family is forever grateful and wants everyone to join us in remembering "Tancie" as the great lady she was.

Visitation for Mary Frances will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at St. Francis Xavier Church.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with Monsignor Richard Rolwing officiating. Private family interment will take place Monday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery In Bloomfield.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

For those who wish to make memorial donations in Mary Frances' name, the family suggests either St. Francis Xavier School or St. Frances Xavier Parish, located at 105 N. Stoddard, Sikeston, Mo., 63801.