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Frances Untiedt Atchley, longtime resident of Lovington and wife of local Chiropractor, Darrell E. Atchley, died Friday, March 12 after a long battle with cancer. She was 60. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Frances was born to Waldo and Lillian Untiedt on October 18, 1938. After graduating from high school in Davenport, she went on to work as a secretary for an investment firm. During this time, she met her future husband, Darrell, who was attending Palmer Chiropractic College. They were married on September 19, 1959. After his graduation from Palmer, the newlyweds came to Lovington where Dr. Atchley established his practice at the original location on Avenue D, opening his doors for the first time on February 6, 1960. Fran worked by her husband's side as office manager at the practice for several years. A member of First United Methodist, Fran was involved in many church and civic activities. She was instrumental in establishing Lovington Beautiful, which was a natural extension of her love for flowers and gardening. She was also a New Mexico Beautiful Organization Board member, a member of the Iris Garden Club and PEO. Fran was also honored as a Paul Harris Fellow to the Rotary Club Internationally. She was named Lovington Citizen of the Year in 1991. She and her husband served as exchange student sponsors for students from Australia and New Zealand, and visited their homes. Fran is survived by her husband of the home; her daughter, Dr. Sara Atchley Wierman of Coppell, TX; two grandsons, Dana Troy and Cole Bartlett; one sister, Helen Miner of Illinois; and by four nephews, one niece, and many beloved friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Bartlett John Atchley and by her parents. Services are set for Saturday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. and will be handled by Smith Rogers Funeral Home of Lovington. Officiating will be Rev. Tom Broom of First United Methodist Church and Bro. Harry Pittam of First Baptist Church. Following the memorial at First Untied Methodist, a celebration of her life will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the church. There will be no viewing, and the family will fulfill her request to be cremated. Flowers are not omitted and memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lea County at 901 E. Bender in Hobbs or at Habitat for Humanity at 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709.
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