Fran M. Hathaway

Fran M. Hathaway 

of Des Moines, Iowa 

Fran M. Hathaway, 98, passed away peacefully at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny on July 12th, 2026. She will be loved and missed each day by all who were fortunate enough to call her mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, momalina or friend. 

Fran was born in Sabetha, Kansas on June 19, 1928 to Sam and Fannie Chandler. She married Raymond Hathaway and they had five children in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to being a homemaker, she entered the workforce later in life to continue to support her younger children. Described by many as a very hard worker, kind, welcoming, great sense of humor, quick witted, ornery and someone who had a great smile, Fran didn’t know a stranger. She lived a long full life and despite all the trials she endured, she remained positive and happy! Fran was a tough ole lady with a beautiful smile! She lived each day by her motto:, 

“Take one day at a time and give it your best.” 

Fran enjoyed and loved being with her family and friends, frequently travelling to Kansas, Utah, or hosting at her home. She regularly spent time fishing and taking care of her yard. Fran was very patriotic and enjoyed decorating with red, white, and blue. If she wasn’t enjoying a bottomless cup of coffee, she could be found drinking a cold Bud Light on her deck. Fran enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved seeing cardinals. 

Fran would visit the casino from time to time; her words- it was “six miles, straight shot” from her house. She will always be remembered for her role as Momalina to the Teamalina girls, always hosting their kick off to RAGBRAI for many years! She was surrounded by lots of love and fun on those days! 

Those left to cherish Fran’s memory include her daughter, Cathy (Karl) Bannick, and her two sons, Terry Hathaway and Randy Hathaway. She will also be remembered by her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Fran also had a special bond with her nieces and nephews. Fran was the Family Matriarch! 

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; beloved children, daughter Marsha and son Denny; brothers Vic, Bill, Gene; and sister Callie. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Ave., Des Moines.  Followed by a Celebration Open House of Fran’s Life at 11:30 a.m., to 3:00 p.m., at VFW Post #9662, 1309 NE 66th Ave in Des Moines. 

Condolences for Fran may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com