FRANCES STOLICH
Frances M. Stolich was born Frances Mae Watne on April 12, 1929 to Ingvald and Doris Watne in Richmond, California. Frances, or Frannie as she was known to many, was a country girl at heart, who grew up riding horses and spending her summers on the family farm in North Dakota. Frannie graduated from Richmond High School in 1945 and attended San Jose State University. She married Francis Aebi in 1948 and they had three children.
In 1978, Frannie relocated to Clements, California, where she pursued a career raising thoroughbred horses with business partner Ron Stolich. Ron and Fran (as they were known in business) built and developed their beautiful and successful thoroughbred farm, Blooming Hills. They also became husband and wife in 1983.
Those who knew Frannie will remember her as an amazing woman who treated everyone with respect and kindness. Her Christmas extravaganza and New Years’ crab feed were always over the top. But what Frannie especially loved was just having Sunday morning coffee with family and on special occasions, mimosa brunch. She also loved her horses and enjoyed riding, as well as buying and selling broodmare prospects. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs over the years, including Willie, big old Bart, Dolly and little Annie. She loved her garden, watching old westerns on TV and going to Music Circus and movies with her good friend, Connie George.
Frannie is survived by her daughters Gail Aebi, Susan (Bill) Atterberry, and her son, Lane (Lynn) Aebi, her grandchildren Brandon Casquilho, Brant (Mae) Casquilho, Kristin (Todd) Leon, Michael (Andrea) Erdbacher, Bryce (Rachel) Aebi, Jenyn (Phil) Sousa, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Emory (JoAnn) Watne, nephew Curt Watne and nieces Kris Teiche and Kimberley Watne, along with four great nephews and a great niece. She is also survived by numerous cousins in North Dakota.
An open house “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, November 17th at Wine and Roses in the Cellar Room from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Many have asked if there is anything they can do. Well, Frannie would be so pleased if you would make a donation in her name to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324, (502) 863-1775.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.