Frances was born December 27, 1930 in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to Newton and Lois Crane. She moved to Burkburnett in 1931 where she currently resides. She married Dude Smith in 1950 and the union produced one son, Vern Smith.
Frances was active in ranching and participating in rodeo from an early age. When she married Dude she began running barrels professionally, keeping time and serving as a rodeo secretary. She worked for Paul Long, George Stika and Ed Curtis.
In 1967 she joined the GRA and won the National Finals Barrel Race in OKC that same year. Seh also qualified for the Finals in 1969. She won barrels races in Jackson, San Angelo, Memphis, Little Rock and Mesquite.
In 1970 she started training and showing horses in the AQHA, for all events and for the public. This enabled her to devote more time to the ranch and her family as well as to have clinics and give private lessons. She is still active in barrel racing, and thanks to the Senior Pro Rodeos, the NBHA and her granddaughter, Sage Smith she keeps young.
“To be a member of the great rodeo family it has been a pleasure and has left me with memories for a lifetime”, stated Frances.
