Frances Bybee

Dr. Frances Juanita Bybee went home to be with her Lord on Dec.19, 2012 in Cheyenne.

Frances was born in Zwolle, Louisiana on July 5, 1930 to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ebarb.

Frances lead an extraordinary life of achievement and educational excellence. She was a career educator and a true leader in her field. She graduated high school at the age of 16, graduated college at the age of 19.

She began her teaching career in a one-room school house for children K thru 9. Frances married Air Force Lieutenant Gary A. Bybee, moved from her hometown and began to raise her four boys. She worked as a classroom teacher in Lake Charles, La., Riverside, Calif., and in townships in New Mexico.

She earned her Education Specialist Degree by going to night school while working a full-time teaching job and taking care of her family. Frances earned her PhD from the University of New Mexico.

After 20 years of classroom teaching experience, she accepted a position as a principal for a Navajo School in New Mexico. She later became a principal in Green River and Evanston, where she was the first woman principal hired in this community. After several years, she became the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Colorado Springs School District then the Superintendent of Schools for the White River Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. She concluded her educational career serving as Professor, Master of Education (MED) degree program at Weber State University, Utah.

Frances retired in 1995 and moved to Afton.

In 2009, she moved to Cheyenne to be close to her youngest son and to keep enjoying the western lifestyle.

Frances was very active in the community and with civic groups. She attended speaking events, luncheons, political events and was an active member of the Cowgirls of the West.

She was a devoted mother to her sons and a devout Catholic. Frances will be missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her signature cowboy hats and western flair.

Frances is survived by her four sons, Steven, of Orlando, Fla.; Daniel, of Austin, Texas; Jesse, of Milo, Mo., and Stewart of Cheyenne; seven grandchildren, one great-grandson, four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by Gary Bybee in 2009, her parents, three brothers and a sister.

Cremation has taken place. Mass was held on Saturday Dec. 22, 2012 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Father August Koeune as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.