MESA, Ariz. — Frances Lucille Caudle passed quietly away on Monday, June 7, at Banner Gardens Hospice after a short illness.

She was born in Lewiston in 1917 and was the daughter of the late George K. Merrill and Elizabeth McGuire of Auburn. She lived in Connecticut for many years, residing in Mesa, Ariz. for the past 20 years.

Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling, going to the beaches, slots at the casinos, amateur big-band singing as a young adult, who in her past few years loved making up her own tunes and words about events and life around her and singing them to you. She recently enjoyed the company of Joe Ortiz of Utah, a lifelong friend.

She is survived by her seven children; three daughters, Linda and husband, John, Coffey of Mesa, Ariz., Janet B. Small of Agawam, Mass., and Susan Shackford of Connecticut; four sons, John Shackford and wife, Sylvie, of Enfield, Conn., James Shackford and wife, Diane, of Bristol, Conn., Clyde E. Shackford Jr. and Shirley Antonelli of Vernon, Conn., and Peter D. Shackford of Plainville, Conn.; also 38 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 39 plus years, Derrick Caudle, in 2005. She was also predeceased by three siblings; a sister, Barbara (Frank) Buiniskas; two brothers, Norman B. (Katheleen) Merrill, and Russell Merrill.

She will be missed by her family. May she rest in peace.