Frances "Elaine" Follman
February 8, 1944 ~ January 7, 2018
Frances Elaine Rhodes was born on February 8, 1944 in Atlanta, GA, to Howard H. and Emma Hasseltine “Hazel” (Woodley) Rhodes. Elaine attended New Bern High School in North Carolina and graduated in 1963. That summer, she married the love of her life, the late Dennis E. Follman on June 29, 1963 in New Bern, NC. Shortly after their wedding, Elaine and Dennis moved back to Dennis’ home state, North Dakota. Elaine was a southern belle who soon learned about North Dakota winters. As the story goes, it only took one time of stepping out of a vehicle in a skirt, and into a snowbank above her waist, for her to declare she was never wearing a skirt again. While living in ND, Elaine gave birth to a daughter, Cathy, and a son, Bob; both of whom she loved very much. Elaine and Dennis continued to reside in Towner, ND until 1968, when Dennis’ graduate school brought the family to Greeley, CO. They resided in Greeley until 1974, where they then moved to Grafton, ND to establish their home where they raised their children.
Elaine loved spending time with her family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren: her granddaughter Meghan, her late grandson Dylan, and her great-grandchildren: great-granddaughter Emma, great-granddaughter Addy, and great-grandson Mason. Elaine also enjoyed a variety of activities: in high school she enjoyed playing the clarinet in her high school’s marching band, and was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship at the Centenary Methodist Church in New Bern, NC; in her adult years she enjoyed walking her dog Katie, attending church services, prayer group, Bible studies, singing in the church choir, playing bingo, and a good manicure. Elaine was also proud to follow in her mother’s footsteps, by being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Darrin) Cox, Fargo, ND, son Bob Follman, Fargo, ND; sisters Anne Rhodes Hendren, Suwanee, GA, Margaret Rhodes Williams, Escondido, CA, and Mary Rhodes Stockett, Raleigh, NC; granddaughter Meghan Gronbeck, Fargo, ND; great-granddaughter Emma Cox, great-granddaughter Addyson Gronbeck and great-grandson Mason Gronbeck. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Follman, parents Howard and Hazel Rhodes, and her grandson Dylan Cox.
A memorial service will be held in Elaine’s honor at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10:00am. Elaine’s final resting place will be Norman Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Wrapping my arms and heart around all of you in this time of grief.
So sorry for your loss
Sending love, hugs, prayers to her wonderful family. Elaine was a very special person, the kind the world needs more of. She had such a generous nature, always willing to share her time with those who needed it.
We are so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a kind, beautiful soul and a sweet neighbor. Our sympathies to her family.
Only been a week… The best mom that i had ! She could start a conversation with a stranger talk for hours with them. Im the same way. Always going back to see mom& dad. She loved walking Katie their small dog. When we when on walks she would walk (Rose) my boxer she would tell people about her grand dog . So many stories that i could tell.
Love you mom