Lillie Schramm Francom July 8, 1926 - January 2, 2025

Lillie Schramm Francom, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence in Mapleton, Utah on January 2, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on July 8, 1926, in Payson, Utah, to Reed Anthon and Erma Garner Schramm, the second of six children and the oldest daughter.

Lillie lived a life devoted to her family and serving others. She was known for her hard work and determination to succeed. After graduating early from Payson High School in December of 1944 she trained as a telegrapher for the Union Pacific Railroad. Using Morse code, she worked as a telegrapher until the end of World War II. She worked at Union Pacific railroad stations from Salt Lake City to Clear Lake, Utah. She became better known to a family acquaintance, Arthur L. Francom, during this time and their relationship led to marriage on July 5, 1946. They started their married life in Payson. A few years later, they bought farm property between Payson and Salem, including the old John Francom house. Lillie and Arthur lived there on the farm and eventually welcomed four children to their family, Stewart, Ivy, Paula, and Michele. They taught their children the value of hard work through their example and the opportunities on the farm.

Lillie and Arthur bought a lot in Salem, Utah in 1971 and built a new home there. Lillie went back to school at Utah Technical College (now Utah Valley University) and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1973. She then began a career as an LPN at Payson Hospital, retiring in 1991. Arthur passed away in 2006, but Lillie kept busy, she often volunteered at the Salem City Library.

Lillie was known for her sewing, handicrafts, and gardening. She loved the pioneer crafts and made beautiful quilts for her family. She became skilled at spinning wool and other fibers into yarn. She knitted hats, gloves, beautiful shawls and scarves from the handspun yarn. She also learned to weave the yarn into fabric to make clothing articles. She loved making things to give to her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved tending her yard, flowers, garden spots and fruit trees in Salem. She moved to the Spring Gardens Retirement Center in Mapleton in 2022 where she enjoyed old and new friendships and the activities there.

Lillie was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. In her later years she enjoyed regular trips to the Temple with friends and was diligent in compiling her personal and family history.

She is survived by her four children, 13 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Verna Hansen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her two brothers, Dowell Reed and Alvin Schramm, and two sisters, Lorraine Francom and Nyda Bishop.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 695 South 300 West in Salem, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Church. There will also be visitation on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.