Frances May Pilant was born September 3, 1912 at Clinton, Missouri, the daughter of John W. and Grace Treadway Henry. She passed away on March 28, 2006 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton, Missouri.
Frances was raised on the family farm three miles east of Clinton. Frances and her twin sister, Grace, being on the farm with their four brothers, became tom boys with many dangerous and narrow escapes. Frances and Grace helped their father prepare for the annual MFA Farmers Picnic at the Henry farm. The picnic grounds were known as the Henry Grove. Many MFA Chapters came each year for the big event. Frances and Grace would also sing at the events. Frances was Secretary-Treasure for their local MFA Chapter. The twins campaigned for their fathers successful bid for County Judge.
After graduating from Clinton High School, Frances worked as secretary for the Clinton Creamery and the Farmers Elevator.
On November 5, 1939 Frances married Carmel W. Pilant at the Methodist Parsonage in Clinton, Missouri by Rev. Arthur Olson. They lived in Urich, Missouri for three years, later purchasing a farm near France's home place, where she lived until entering Westwood Nursing Home in 2004.
Frances was a charter member of the CCSC Club (Country Congenial Sewing Club), The WPFA (Women's Progressive Farmers Association), The WSCS (Women's Society of Christian Service, later becoming the UMW (United Methodist Women), The Deer Creek Neighbors Club, The Deer Creek 4-H, The Deer Creek PTA, Her Sunday School Class monthly meetings called the JOPPA Class. Frances was secretary for most of these organizations at one time or another. She always had something amusing in the minutes or read an amusing little tidbit she had ran across. Frances liked to put a little fun in the meetings to liven things up.
Frances served as Republican, Deer Creek Township Committee Woman for many years. The late George B. Howell convinced her to run for the office. Frances joined the Drakes Chapel United Methodist Church in 1952 and remained a faithful member until her death. She was married to Carmel for 64 years with two celebrations on their 40th and 50th wedding anniversary. They were both held at the Church.                   .
Some of the things Frances will be remembered for are her sense of humor, (as a young girl her family nick named her wit,) a devoted mother to her only child, Marion, a Christian and moral person, a good country cook, being a friend to many, a life long member of the Methodist Church and the Republican Party and a booklet of old sayings prepared in 2000.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Carmel Pilant; her parents, three brothers, Harold, Eugene and Warren Henry; and one sister, Grace Riffel.
She is survived by her son, Marion Pilant of Clinton, Missouri; one brother, Robert Henry, Clinton; a very special niece, Betty Riffel and A very special nephew, Keith Henry as well as other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Sunday, April 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. the Drakes Chapel United Methodist Church with burial in the Drakes Chapel Cemetery.  Memorial contributions were to the Drakes Chapel Cemetery.