Frances Ellen (Smasne) Wunderlich Obituary (1936

Frances Ellen Smasne Wunderlich passed peacefully with her daughter at her side on October 1, 2022. She will be missed beyond measure and loved forever. She was born on December 3, 1936 in the family home near Mabton, WA, close to where her grandpa and grandma Smasne lived on a farm called Rocky Ford on the Yakima River. The family then moved to the Sunnyside area until the growing family settled on the Smasne family farm on the north side of the river in Grandview, Washington, located on County Line and Hanks roads. There were plenty of chores for all. Being the eldest of 8, she helped with the younger ones. Frances began her education with her sister, Mary, at the two story Belma school where they had two classrooms, primary on lower level and older students in the upper level. One year later they incorporated with the Grandview School District where she attended and graduated with honors in 1955. She was a member of the FHA club, the high school drill team and was also in 4-H. She shared that there was one year when all eight kids rode the school bus together. After graduation from Grandview High School she attended WSC, which later became WSU, to pursue a degree in horticulture. Mom rode the train home and took a summer job at the Prosser Greenhouse owned by Adolph “Ady” Wunderlich. It was the start of her floral career as well as a once in a lifetime love. They were married in 1959 and spent 33 loving years together. Frances was a member of the Prosser Greenhouse bowling team, belonged to Meridian club and worked on the city parade floats in the 1970’s. She enjoyed drawing, oil painting. She was an accomplished croshier and loved embroidering. She could sew anything; clothes, costumes, coats, bed spreads and curtains. She even reupholstered furniture. Frances was very artistic making many one of a kind wedding bouquets, alter arrangements, arch designs, many proms and dance corsages and boutonniere’s, funeral work that was very personalized such as airplanes, fishing poles, all out of flowers and many traditional and beautiful holiday pieces. Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas were big events. We have fond memories of having the greenhouse filled with, Poinsettias, Easter Lilly’s, bedding plants, depending on the season. Her favorites were pink roses, blue iris and orchids. She loved the flower business and enjoyed the many customers and visiting with them. Her favorite things were spending time with family, nurturing the grandkids, listening to the Mariners and Seahawks and her beloved WSU Cougars games on the radio and working her Sudoku and crossword puzzles. She was there to help anyone in need no matter how big or small the need. She is survived by her son, Gary Wunderlich and wife, Christy; her daughter, Debra Benitz and husband Ron; eight grandchildren, Cameron Benitz, Jenae Benitz, Elicia, Allena and Michael Bresnahan/Wunderlich, Jeff Sanford, Brian Wunderlich and Kristi Merkel; and siblings, John Smasne (Sharon), Ray Smasne (Fredda), Karen Jones (Rod), Sharon Hudnall; and multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life Adolf “Ady” Wunderlich; stepchildren, Joyce Samford and Dale Wunderlich; her parents, Marie and Charlie Smasne; baby boy Smasne; sister, Mary Dodroe; brother, Paul Smasne; and sister, JoAnn Smasne. Public viewing will be Thursday, October 13, 2022 between 4pm to 6pm at the Prosser Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Prosser Cemetery for family and friends.