Frances (Story) Kuykendall was born December 23, 1923, to Etta (Murphy) and Charlie Beckham Story in Paoli, OK. She passed away March 8, 2026, in Bethany, OK.

Frances moved to Bethany when she was about eight years old. As a young girl, she spent much of her time in her mother's cafe off Route 66 in downtown Bethany. In 1941, Frances became the first of four generations to graduate Bethany High School and the following year she married high school sweetheart, C.C. Kuykendall. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before his passing in 1992.

Frances was loved dearly by six children, Frances Ann, Jane Lee "Sandy", C.C. "Kirk" Jr., Myerl Chrystine, Lewis Bill, and bonus Leann Chrystine. She was proud to have six grandchildren, Robin, Kevin, Kenny, Tara, Dylan, Josh, and Jacob; 17 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great grandchild, who brought so much joy to her later years.

Frances was a homemaker before taking a position at Aero Commander, which later became Rockwell International then Gulfstream Aerospace, where she worked from 1964 until her retirement in 1992. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family, tapping her toes to bluegrass music, and eating chocolate. Frances was feisty in her later years and said the secret to living past 100 was to "smile and be happy" and "don't hold a grudge."

Frances was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Wanda Jo; brother, Bill; and daughter, Jane.

A gathering for friends and family will be Thursday, March 12, from 4-6pm at Mercer-Adams. Memorial services will take place Friday, March 13, 10:00am, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. Interment will follow at Bethany Cemetery.