Frances Ann Roork March 9, 2025

Frances Ann Roork, 87, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away Friday morning, February 14, 2025.
Frances was born on September 17th, 1938, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Frances was the eldest of two daughters born to Woodrow Garrett Coates and Lydia Lucille Coates. Her life always revolved around her family and she spent most of her life living and raising her family in Oklahoma.
Frances attended Duncan High School until she graduated in 1956. she also attended college at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. Frances was a leader in the Arts program. She was offered a scholarship at the Paris College of Art in Paris, France. Frances also attended Southern Nazarene University in 1970 and graduated in 1972 with a master’s in MSW social work.
Frances met Dan Thompson Jr, the father of her two sons Timothy Daniel Thompson, and John Todd Thompson. Dan and Frances were married in 1958 at First Cristian Church in Duncan, Oklahoma. They bought a house in Duncan Oklahoma.
In 1976 the family moved to Augusta, Georgia to follow religious beliefs and convictions and joined the Alleluia Community. while living there Frances taught 1st grade for three years and touched the lives of many children.
Frances moved to Aiken, South Carolina in 1988. She worked for the Savannah River Plant as a drafting engineer for four years. She was well-liked by her community and she always had a smile on her face every time anyone was around her. In 1992 she met Henry Roork and they were married within a couple years and they traveled the country in a travel trailer for two years with their dachshund Dash.
While her eldest son Timothy attended the University of South Carolina at Aiken Frances decided to take her younger son Jon back to Oklahoma to be with her parents and family. In Oklahoma, Frances worked for the Government as the Director of Tourism. She received multiple awards from Governor Henry Bellmon, Governor David Walters and Governor Keating. The Oklahoma Homecoming `90 for Extra-Meritorious Service to the State of Oklahoma in 1990. the Oklahoma Parks and Resorts in recognition of twelve years of outstanding service on November 30, 2000. Employee of the Year for the state of Oklahoma in 2002. Frances excelled at every place she was employed and was admired by all her colleagues.
Frances was an avid fisherwoman and always loved to cast a line out in the water. She was always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat and would always be willing to find the nearest water and see what she could catch. She also loved to paint and was commissioned to paint two murals at the Oklahoma State Capital. Her art is still currently on display at the Oklahoma State Capitol to this day. Frances went to Israel twice for a religious pilgrimage and an archaeological dig for the Israeli Government. During this expedition, she traveled to Rome, Italy for a week. She toured the Vatican, the colosseum, and the catacombs. Frances even had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
Frances retired from the state of Oklahoma in 2003. She was forced into retirement because of her health. Frances was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and had to have a bi-lateral mastectomy. Her cancer sadly returned three more times after remission, but she prevailed every time because of her faith and determination. Her bravery and resilience are still admired deeply by her loved ones.
In 2008 the eldest son Timothy moved from Scottsdale, Arizona to Oklahoma to be with his beloved mother. While living near each other they went on two cruises to the Caribbean. Frances always dreamed of going to Saint Maarten. She eventually arrived with her son and they swam with the dolphins at the place she always wanted to visit. Another trip they embarked on together was to Acapulco, Mexico. While there they enjoyed the local cuisine and culture. They also watched the world-famous high cliff divers.
During her retirement, she stayed immersed in her paintings and religious studies even learning Hebrew. Rosh Pinah Synagogue became a big part of her life. She was put in charge of the floral arrangements for the services and seasonal decorations. Frances was devoted to her faith and family. Everyone who met Frances fell in love with her personality. She loved everyone unconditionally and would often start conversations with complete strangers by letting them know they were loved and cared about.
Frances will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her sister, Jacque Ekstrom. Her sons, Timothy Daniel Thompson and Jon Todd Thompson and wife Amanda Thompson. Her grandson Vincent Thompson and many lifelong friends.