Zoe Francis

On April 16, 2022, Zoe Francis completed her Journey here on earth. She was born on March 8, 1937 in Logan Utah to Lydia & Kimball Fisher. She lived in Utah her entire life until she met her first husband James H. Richards, in San Antonio Texas while visiting her brother and sister in-law. After she returned home from Texas, (she found her new friend, and soon to be husband,) Jim waiting on her parents doorstep prepared to take their relationship to the next level. April 18th 1956 Zoe and Jim were married in the Salt Lake Temple, and then moved to Texas so Jim could start flight training for the United States Air Force. Then they moved to Washington State where Jim completed his service and returned to Utah to raise their family.

Zoe and Jim lived in their home in Cottonwood Heights for the rest of their lives. For Zoe it was a total of 63 years and for Jim, it was a short 17; Jim died February 18th 1973 leaving Zoe a widow with four children. She was blessed to find employment with the Jordan School District working at Brighton High School where she retired. After 9 years of being on her own, she met and married Avon T. Francis through a mutual friend. Together they traveled the world, and enjoyed their lives together. They had many fun and memorable times with their family and friends. Avon brought personal joy and happiness back into her life, and many opportunities and experiences she never would have known if Dick and Dorothy Burt hadn't lined them up.

Zoe served in many positions with the Butler Second ward, (which later was changed to the Cottonwood Heights First ward,) as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Zoe has a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the Atonement which she passed on to her children. As a mother, she taught her children to serve others, to love one another, and be honest in all their dealings, and when you take a stand on a principle you believe in, to stand firm. She taught them they could do anything if they put their minds to it. Each of her children could share stories of the service they received from her throughout their lives. She always left an impression on them when they needed some hands on direction in the form of the "Z" ring! (ask any of their friends)

Zoe Francis was an accomplished woman. She graduated from South High School and a year later married her first husband. But during her life, she learned many valuable lessons which she passed on to her children. Her children are the center of her life, she was, and is the right Mother, friend, her kids could have ever asked for. She taught her children a poem that helps sum up the impact she had in their lives:

"What Matters"
My Mother says she doesn't care about the color of my hair; or if my eyes are blue or brown or if my nose turns up or down. It really doesn't matter.
My Mother says she doesn't care if I'm dark or if I'm fair; or if I'm thin or if I'm fat, she doesn't fret over things like that; It really doesn't matter.
But if I cheat or tell a lie, or say mean things to make folks cry; or if I'm rude or impolite and do not try to do what's right; then that does really matter.
It isn't looks that makes one great, but character that seals one's fate; it's what's within your heart you see that makes or mars your destiny; and that does really matter.

Zoe is preceded in death by her two husbands; James H. Richards & Avon Thomas Francis. Her parents, Kimball & Lydia Fisher; her older brother Col. James Benjamin Fisher and a sister in-law Patricia (Pat) Fisher and other Richards and Francis family members.
Zoe is survived by her four children: James Michael Richards (Teri) Scott Fisher Richards (Jan) Janelle Clark (Roy) Mark Neil Richards (Collene) Her two brothers: Chad (Pat) Fisher; Monte (Darlene) Fisher; Marlene Fisher (wife of Ben) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff from Legacy House in Farmington, and Inspiration Hospice for their kindness and care they provided Zoe during her time with them.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Cottonwood Heights 1st Ward, 2245 E. 7075 S., Cottonwood Heights, Utah, with a viewing prior to the funeral service from 10:00-10:45 am