Frances Lea Foster Lakes, 92, a long-time resident of La Plata, Maryland, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, in La Plata. Frances was born on October 31, 1922, in Wolfpen, Cabell County, West Virginia, the tenth child of Cecil and Effie (Nimmo) Foster. She grew up in Culloden, WV, and was salutatorian of her graduating class at Milton High School in 1941.

After graduation Frances worked in the Accounting Department for the First Huntington National Bank in Huntington, WV. Frances continued to work in bookkeeping and office positions until she retired in 1985.

Frances enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading, art, music, and taking care of her family. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in LaPlata.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lakes. She was the last surviving sibling of her five brothers and six sisters. Surviving family members include two sons, Dan Lakes (and wife Shelley Lakes) of Apex, NC, and Randy Lakes of LaPlata, MD; two daughters, Linda Lakes (and husband John Watts) of Tallahassee, FL, and Rhonda Meleen (and husband William Meleen) of Faulkner, MD. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Leanne Lakes of LaPlata, MD, Carly Lakes of Apex, NC, and Corinne Watts and Tennison Watts of Tallahassee, FL – along with numerous stepchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 20th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in La Plata, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD. Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 Saint Mary's Ave., La Plata, Maryland is handling arrangements.

We would like to express our appreciation to the staff of Sagepoint Memory Care Center in La Plata for their care of Frances for the past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, La Plata, MD or Hospice of Charles County.