Frances Wilcox Laney

On the morning of March 10, 2025, Frances Wilcox Laney was called home to be with her Lord and Savior. Known to her loved ones as Fran, she passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep at her home in Santa Fe, NM, at the age of 69; believed to be from complications of chronic diabetes and heart failure. Fran lived a life rich with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. A devoted wife, mother, Mimi, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, generosity, and warmth that will never be forgotten.

Fran was born on July 14, 1955, in El Paso, TX. She was raised in Deming, NM, by her loving parents, Johnnie and Helen Wilcox. She was the oldest of their four children. A graduate of Deming High School in 1973, Fran excelled in academics, band, and vocal performance. She continued her education at Baylor University in Waco, TX, and had the opportunity to travel abroad, living in Israel on two separate occasions—once under the direction of Baylor’s Department of Anthropology and another time on a kibbutz.

On February 18, 1978, Fran married the love of her life, Pat Laney, in Deming, NM. Together, they built a life full of adventure, beginning with working the ranch in Lordsburg, NM. They later moved to the family ranch near Hillsboro, NM, where they built their own home and welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jaclyn. One of Fran’s greatest joys in life was her deep and lifelong bond with Jaclyn.

Fran embraced ranch life, often gathering cattle, branding, and marveling at God’s creation. She was deeply involved in her community, making lifelong friends through organizations such as Cowbelles and sorority and a china painting group. As a member of Deming First Baptist Church, she led Bible studies, taught Sunday School and sang nearly every Sunday. A talented vocalist and musician, she frequently sang at weddings for family and friends. Her passion for cooking led her to start a catering business, blessing many with her culinary talents. Fran had a generous heart, always bringing meals to the sick, grieving, and those in need. Most of all, she loved cooking for her family, taking joy in preparing their favorite dishes for birthdays and holidays.

In 2001, Pat, Fran, and Jaci moved to Oklahoma, where they continued ranching in Vinita and later in Lexington. Fran continued to share her musical gifts, serving as a church music leader and later being a member of the Singing ChurchWomen, a statewide women’s choir. She was also an integral part of her church choir, praise team, and a quartet.

After retiring from ranching in 2011, Pat and Fran moved to Santa Fe, NM, to be closer to their daughter. She found immeasurable joy in becoming a grandmother. As “Mimi,” she rocked babies, chased toddlers, laughed at potty humor, attended countless sports games, baked for school fundraisers, played board games, and created treasured memories with her grandsons. Her love for her family was boundless, beyond what words could ever express.

Fran’s radiant spirit, boundless generosity, and steadfast faith will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her family finds solace in knowing she is now and forever in the presence of her Savior.

Fran is survived by her loving husband, Pat Laney of Santa Fe; her daughter, Jaclyn (Jharrod) LaFon of Santa Fe, NM; her cherished grandsons, Jack and Jesse; her mother, Helen Wilcox of Albuquerque; her brothers, Jay (Joanna) Wilcox of Levelland, TX; Morris (Chelle) Wilcox of Lubbock; and Michael Wilcox of Albuquerque; her sister-in-law Laurie McKnight of Afton, IA; her brother-in-law Mike (Tonya) Laney of Shady Point, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Johnnie Wilcox and brother-in-law Jim Mcknight.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held on March 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 206 W Pine St, Deming, NM, with a luncheon to follow.

She was cremated, and her ashes will be kept and someday scattered with her beloved Pat.