Linnie Frances Drey, age 89, of Early, IA, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at North Lake Manor in Storm Lake, IA.  Frances was born on October 26, 1925, to Charles and Linnie (Horrel) Higgins, Jr. in Sac County near Sac City.  She graduated from Early High School in 1943.

     On January 14, 1948, Frances married the love of her life, Donald Drey, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early.  They remained married until his death in 1997.  This union was blessed with seven children: Elizabeth, William, Dennis, Patricia, Esther, Dale and Daniel.  They resided in Rockwell City, Sac City and finally Early.

     Frances was a loving and supportive housewife.  She cared for and raised seven children as well as helped care for any grandchildren when needed.  Frances was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She always had special treats for those that visited and her cinnamon rolls, bread and cookies will be remembered by all her family.  Her smile and laugh will be missed by all those that knew her.

     Frances had a strong faith and attended mass as often as she could until her health failed.  Frances’s television was usually tuned to EWTN and she could be found praying different prayers and the rosary throughout the day.  Frances was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early where she served as the President of the Catholic Daughters of America; was a member of the Peace and Justice Committee and Legion of Mary, and a lifetime member of the guild.

     Frances entered North Lake Manor when her health started to decline in August.  Prior to this she resided on the family farm.  Frances is survived by her six children: Bill (Deb) Drey of Red Oak, IA; Patricia (Wes) Kinney of Norfolk, NE; Dennis Drey of Albuquerque, NM; Esther Harrington of Hubbard, NE; Dale (Kitty) Drey of Sac City, IA; and Dan (Tracy) Drey of Schaller, IA; son-in-law Jim Harder of Moville, IA; brothers Charles (Yvonne) Higgins of Early, IA and John Higgins of Galva, IA; sisters Margaret (John) DeGarmo of Storm Lake, IA and Edna Miller of Ankeny, IA.  She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and her special dog, Bear, who was her constant companion while at home.

     Frances was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald; her loving daughter Elizabeth in 2010; and sisters Theresa Higgins and Mary Dahm.