Francie Cowley Crus

June 21, 1947 - April 24, 2022

On April, 24th 2022, our loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, lost her valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on the summer solstice, June 21, 1947, in San Francisco, California. Adopted parents Leonard and Lilas Cowley, raised Francie along with her brother David and sister Marilyn. They lived in Bryon, Wyoming on their family farm where Francie spent most of her youth. Lilas was a school teacher so Francie’s summers were full of long road trips, just the two of them, to visit extended family where they made many fond memories. Francie was very bright and cherished her high school years. She graduated from Byron High School in 1965, as class valedictorian.

Francie pursued her education at BYU for 2 years, and finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, in 1997. She worked as Executive Director for the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants, then as an Executive Secretary for many years at Intermountain Power Agency (IPA), in Murray, making many dear friends along the way. Later, she earned her Real Estate License working for Coldwell Banker, playing an integral part in helping clients, friends and family acquire their first home.

Francie married Michael Crus on September 28th, 1989. They were fortunate to enjoy 33 years together, both loving golf and spending as much time as possible together at their lovely home in sunny Arizona. Francie thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, music, singing, reading, and great food, never turning down an invitation for a dinner out. She was always ready for a shopping excursion at a moment’s notice. Francie was a lover of all animals, especially dogs and all things beautiful, keeping an immaculate home and garden. She had a great knack for interior design and would often help others decorate their homes. She was an expert in gift-giving, never forgetting a Birthday, storing away in her memory an offhand comment you made regarding something you liked. Francie was an extrovert, relishing her time spent with family and friends, enjoying people in general and sharing her beaming smile with everyone she met. She was a go-getter, possessing a strong will and work ethic. She had a fun-loving personality and loved life. She was forever making us laugh with her quick- witted retorts and her timing of punch lines from endeared family jokes was impeccable. She will be deeply and endlessly missed by all who knew her. Francie is survived by husband Mike, son Travis Bradford (Lisa), from a previous marriage, daughter Tiffany Stoker (Jeremy), from a previous marriage, brother David Cowley, five beautiful grandchildren, and nieces and nephews she absolutely adored. She is preceded in death by her parents, and sister Marilyn Emmet. Our family wishes to thank surgeon Dr. Eric Sorenson, Dr. Ramya Thota and the oncology staff at IMC, IHC Home Health and Hospice for their outstanding care and kindness, and Dr. Reid Hales for his unwavering dedication and medical guidance.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Francie’s honor, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the North side of the building. She will be laid to rest on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 11:00am, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Huntsman Cancer Institute.

In Loving Memory

Francie was the most beautiful person inside and out. She was a friend to many and made each one feel special. I got to know Francie when she was with IPA and we have remained friends with many adventures on and off the golf course! To say she worked at IPA is a misnomer because she actually ran the place and took care of the Board of Directors better than anyone. And if that career wasn't enough, she goes on to become a real estate agent. She always went above and beyond to help her clients. The world is a better place having Francie in it. I am a better person having her as my friend. Thank you Tiffany and Mike (and family) for caring for her. 

Doreen Weyland

St George, Ut

Oh how I loved this Aunt. When I was younger, I always looked up to her and wanted to be a business woman and I became one too. She was always so glamorous! She was so good to Mom especially in Mom's later years. I'm thinking of you Mike, Travis, and Tiff. Love you!

Tami Emmett

Mesa, AZ

To the entire Crus and Cowley Family - my heartfelt condolences on the loss of our dear Francie. I had the pleasure of meeting Francie many times as a part of the partnership between Crus Oil and Valvoline. I was fortunate to cross paths with this classy, funny, delightfully charming woman...Francie. The entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. God's peace and blessing to you all. Much Love, David

David T Young

Lexington, KY

To Mike and the entire family , my thoughts and prayers are with you all . We were all so blessed to have Francie in our lives . She truly made this world a better place . She was loving , sincere and the most beautiful woman I knew . She never forgot my birthday! I was stunned every year . Rest In Peace my beautiful friend . All my love , Sally

Sally Cicora

Scottsdale, AZ

Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray blessings and peace on you.

Lori Champneys

Sandy, Ut

Thank you for always being so kind, loving, and for having the most infectious lovely energy. It's been a privilege to know you and love you, Auntie. Give my Gramma a big hug for me. Sending love to the whole family in this difficult time. Xoxo.

Brittni Emmett

nan, AZ

I knew Francie through my aunts, Kimberly Madsen, and Deidra Kay. We did "girls lunch" with the women in our family and Francie always joined us. With her beautiful blonde hair, she looked like part of the family, and we all just considered her as such. She made a lasting impression on me and even though I have not seen her for a long time I never forgot the genuine love and compassion that she radiated. Such a beautiful lady inside and out. God be with you til we meet again.

Paige Butas

Washington, Ut

Dear Mike, our most depest and heart felt condolences.Our hearts are greaving with you today. My dear friend,beautiful Francie,you will always have special place in our hearts. Love you very much my beautiful friend. Words can't describe how much you will be missed ❤️Aida & Lj with family. 

Aida & Lj Ljubicic

SLC, UT

To Francie's family - I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Francie in the mid-to-late 1970's when I was a new CPA and she was the Executive Director of the UACPA. She was always so fun to be around, such a lovely person. I always enjoyed visiting her at her office and getting a boost from her upbeat attitude. She will be missed.  

Lynne Wilhelmsen

Murray, UT

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