Frances Elizabeth Pike Rader

One of the greatest joys for a pastor is to see the Lord work in the lives of the sheep. Every once in a while someone comes along who is truly anointed by the Lord—a true example of the character of Christ. Frances Rader was one of those people.      To this pastor and this congregation she represented Christ-likeness in her devotion to the Lord, tireless service, prayerful concern, dedication to the Word of God and simplicity of life.      Frances was a ‘leader’ without a title. And that was just the way she liked things. From leading her own one-person welcoming program to writing letters of encouragement just at the time you needed it—she filled her time here by doing for others!      I never received a birthday card from her—but I always received a birthday letter. She would always start those letters with, “I am not big on birthdays…” Then she went on to share her heart about the Lord and His goodness.      Most of all  she listened to the Lord. When He spoke—she responded. On July 30 she heard Him call her home and peacefully slipped away into His arms. Oh the joy of His voice... Pastor Mike

April 18 1914 -- July 30, 2010

     Frances was born April 18, 1914, in Nooksack, Washington, the youngest of 5 children of William and Charlotte Pike. She lived in Bellingham, Washington, most of her growing up years
     She married at 17 and immediately moved to Fresno, California, with her new husband Charlie Rader. A few years later a son was born, Charles Andrew, and then a daughter, Shirley Ann.
     During the war, they moved to Vallejo, California, to work in the Naval Shipyard and lived there 15 years while Frances taught piano lessons for 50 cents a half-hour.
They moved to Oakland, California, & bought a lunchroom which they ran for 2 years
Then she waitressed for a few years in Oakland before she went to work for the city library where she stayed 10 years.
     At her husband’s retirement from the Railroad where he was an electrician and trouble shooter, they moved from Oakland to Sebastopol and stayed there more than 35 years. She had many happy years there even after her husband died in 1985.
Then she moved to Laguna Woods in 1999 because the Lord told her it was time to be near Shirley.
     Everywhere she lived she was active in the local Assembly of God church—she played the piano, taught Sunday School classes, did visitation, volunteered for whatever needed to be done, even cleaned the church. She taught the adult Sunday School classes at Oakland First Church and Sebastopol Assembly of God for years. And everywhere she lived she had a habit of inviting people over for lunch—she didn’t care how rich or poor, how old or young, how privileged or outcast, or even what color. She loved people and loved to help them get acquainted with each other.
       She was happiest when she was with her friends, donating to or praying for missions, serving lunch, or writing letters to her many correspondents. She loved the Lord totally with all her being.











(Above) Frances playing the piano at David Guzman's memorial service. She was 93 at the time and played for 45 minutes before the service while over 1000 people filled the sanctuary. She also played two songs during the service.

Satan Knew My Grandma Well
The following song by the Grascals was read at Frances' memorial by one of her granddaughters. It fits Frances well.

Satan and Grandma
By the Grascals

Satan knew my Grandma well
He could hear her prayers clear down in hell
He’d get so mad, he’d burn his self
Satan knew my Grandma well

Well he tried to test her faith
He sent Grandpa to his grave
And he tucked her into bed with herself
Satan knew my Grandma well

With a Bible as her sword and shield
She fought him on the battlefield
Kneeled down beside her bed
For hours on that tearstained floor
Till he couldn’t take it anymore

He’d even pray to hear her say “amen”

Satan knew my Grandma well
He could hear her prayers clear down in hell
Made him wish he’d never fell...
Satan knew my Grandma well

I was six years old in Silver Park
Satan tried to get me in his car
But he sped away when he heard her yell
Satan knew my Grandma well

With her Bible as her sword and shield
She fought him on the battlefield
Kneeled down beside her bed
For hours on that tearstained floor
Till he couldn’t take it anymore

He’d even pray to hear her say “amen”

Satan sighed a great relief
The day that Grandma got her wings
She’s somewhere she can finally rest
Satan knew my grandma well...

But Jesus knows my Grandma best.

Click on the photo below to see the Grascals sing the song: