"Frances Archer, 87, of Wimberley passed away on October 23, 2010 surrounded by her beloved family. Frances was born on May 1, 1923 to Lester and Martha McNeese on the McNeese Family Ranch located in Merrilltown (now known as Wells Branch). The McNeese Ranch had been in the family for over 100 years, being purchased in 1847 from Captain Merrill for $2 an acre. Frances spent her young early days on the farm chopping cotton and milking cows. She attended the old Merrilltown School and was a graduate of Round Rock High School. Frances was married on the farm in the fall of 1942. She was blessed to spend the next 65 years with her husband, Eugene, who passed away in 2005. They lived their first few young married years on the farm together with the family. After settling in the Austin Area, Frances tended to her home and growing family. Frances was a warm and caring wife and mother who enjoyed cooking and celebrating at every large Christmas gathering. Fourth of July celebrations in the back yard were always events she looked forward to. Both Eugene and Frances were active in their church. The couple loved Uno, phase 10 and dominoes with friends and neighbors, often until 2:00 a.m. In their senior years, they especially enjoyed participating with the Hillcrest Baptist Church Senior Fellowship Group, spending many hours traveling all over the country together. Frances appreciated family trips to Rockport, fishing with her husband, children, and later grandchildren. Frances was a compassionate and loyal wife, mother and grandmother, always supporting and believing in her family. She always found the good and positive in every situation. Frances was extraordinarily forgiving. She possessed a deep and devout strength and faith that never faltered, even in her last days. She never gave up, she fought the good fight. Her example of love and kindness will remain in the hearts of her family forever. Frances is survived by her son, David and wife, Debbie; daughter, Karen Archer-Walters and husband, Thomas; four treasured grandsons: Micah, Daniel, Nathan and Aaron Archer; her special great-granddaughter, Kennedy; brother, Weber McNeese and wife, Jean; her 'adopted daughter,' Nieves Valdez and 'adopted granddaughter,' Sylvia; and countless special family members and friends...."
("Austin American-Statesman," October 27, 2010"