Frances Rita Milano Grover

Frances Rita Milano Grover, 97, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022 with her daughters by her side. She was born May 9, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Emil and Lizzette Milano.

In 1944, Frances moved with her parents from Chicago to Weslaco, Texas where her father owned and managed citrus groves. In later years, her family opened Milano’s Restaurant.

Frances met John “Craig” Grover on a blind date arranged by her brother and future sister-in-law’s brother. Craig was an entrepreneur who owned furniture stores in Elsa and Weslaco. Much in love, the two were married on May 28, 1950 at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in 2013, shortly before Craig’s death.

After many years of living away from the Valley, Craig and Frances returned in 1963.  Wanting to start a business of their own, the couple saw a great business opportunity in Harlingen, and established Craig’s Furniture where they worked together for many years. Many loyal customers still fondly remembered Frances as “Mrs. Craig”. When Sun Valley Mall opened in 1967, Frances went to work at the new JC Penney’s for several years while continuing to work in their furniture store.

Frances’s favorite times were when her family was all together, and friends were always treated as family in the Grover household. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, and one of her most requested dishes was her delicious Chess Cake. She was a homemaker, mother, and business owner, but her greatest joy was being Grandma and Nonni to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She devoted time volunteering for the HOSTS program at Harlingen High School South, and served as Secretary of the RGV Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Association.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband, Craig Grover; her parents, Emil and Lizzette Milano; her brother, Lino Milano; and her son-in-law, Rickie Janssen.

Left to cherish Frances’s memory are her daughters, Rita Scoggins (Robert) and Cheryl Janssen; her grandchildren, Bobby Scoggins, Christopher Scoggins, Victoria Scoggins, Ryan Janssen (Monica Dyer), Kristen Janssen (Brad Sims), and Lauren Janssen Gregg (Jason); her great-grandchildren, Heidi Scoggins, Nathan Scoggins, Emily Janssen, and Avery Janssen. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Frances’ family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin Thursday evening at 7 o’clock. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Harlingen.  Local services will conclude at the close of the Mass. Frances will be laid to rest alongside her husband Craig at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Memorial donations may be made to the Adult Congenital Heart Association (www.achaheart.org) or the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (www.ecan.org).