Memorial service for Frances Mae (Iams) Hutchins will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home in Lawton, Oklahoma with Chaplain Paul Gore officiating.

Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Apache, OK.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm Friday, February 9, 2024, at the funeral home.

Frances "Fran" Mae Hutchins, of Lawton, died Friday, February 2, 2024. Fran was 82 years old. She was diagnosed with melanoma in June and fought her illness with everything she had. The family wishes to thank Comanche County Memorial Hospital's providers and nurses for their professionalism and compassion during her long battle.

Frannie Mae (Aunt Perfect to some) was born on May 25, 1941, near Stecker, Oklahoma, to Boyd and Opal (Andrews) Iams. She grew up in the Stecker/Broxton area and graduated from Broxton High in 1959. She met the love of her life, Michel "Mike" Hutchins, in Apache. They married on May 6, 1963. Fran and Mike completed their BS degrees together, graduating from Cameron University in May of 1990.

Fran was a huge support to Mike during his 26½ year Army career. She took to being an Army wife and mother of two with dedication and love as she cared for the family across their long journey from station to station. Their relationship began long-distance, and she transformed from a small-town farmer's girl to a woman capable of living thousands of miles from her humble origins, living with Mike in Germany for a decade. She was instrumental in caring for other service members' families throughout her husband's military years, actively participating in the family support group outlets constructed for such a purpose.

As a founding member of the Mt. Scott Kiwanis Club, Fran served her community and the mission of Kiwanis by empowering their efforts to provide for disadvantaged children. In her stead of over twenty years, she served as secretary, president, vice president, lt. governor, treasurer, and countless other roles. She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi. She thoroughly enjoyed her years with the group, hosting many gatherings for the organization, providing new sources of meaning for other ladies in the area who needed community and belonging, and making many lifelong friends.

From 1977 to 1996, Fran worked in civil service. At Fort Sill, she was an adjutant for the USAFAS and a contractor. She monitored various contracts for the field artillery center and school in her efforts there, ensuring their successful compliance and completion.

Fran also enjoyed scrapbooking, birdwatching (her favorites were cardinals), photography, travel, and baking.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Michel Hutchins; her son, Michael Christopher (Chris) Hutchins; her parents, Boyd and Opal Iams; her brother, Gerald Iams of Apache; her brother, Everett Iams of Fort Cobb; and her sister, Joann Keenum, of Oklahoma City.

Fran is survived by her daughter Tammy Hutchins Walsh and husband Patrick of Lawton; three grandsons, Michael Hutchins, Kyle Hutchins and wife Rachel, and Cody Walsh; and three special great-grandchildren, Micaila Enriquez, Cooper Robinson, and Abigail Hutchins, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews and special friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or the animal shelter of your choice.