Frances F. Otto, 89, of Morris Drive in Niles, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 at her home at Woodland Terrace at Longmeadow, Niles after a long, blessed life.

Mrs. Otto was born Jan. 7, 1921 in Rose Creek, Minn. to Tony and Olive (Davis) Fruth. She came of age during the Great Depression. She graduated from Grand Meadow High School in Minnesota, later graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in home economics. She went on to teach during the war years.

On June 17, 1946 in St. Paul, Minn., she married Florian J. Otto, who preceded her in death Jan. 24, 2010.

In 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Otto moved to Niles. Having a large family, they always had a big garden and raised sheep. Frances, a skilled cook, canned fruits and vegetables and the family enjoyed the lamb she prepared. The farm, Lavender Hill Farm, is still owned by the family.

Mrs. Otto was devoted to her children and was proud of each one. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, involved in the altar society, church cleaning and was part of the funeral dinner team.

Frances is survived by her children, Therese (Matthew) Sarec of Dacula, Ga., Fr. David Otto of Niles, Mark (Jennifer) Otto of Lansing, Mich., Stephen (Mary) Otto of Rochelle, Ill., Fred (Michelle) Otto of St. Paul, Minn., Francis (Stella) Otto of Empire, Mich., Nona (Lee) Blauvelt of Lansdale, Pa., Martha (Bill) Wilczynski of Niles; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph (Bonnie) Fruth of Lafayette, Colo., Vincent (Lorraine) Fruth of Boone, Iowa; sister, Virginia (Bernard) Lammers of Rose Creek, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Frances F. Otto will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles.

Visitation will be at the church Sunday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to services Monday.

There will be an evening prayer service at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home.