Francis Deem Law
February 10, 1933 — December 30, 2024
Francis Deem Law, born February 10, 1933, in View, Idaho, to Orville and Aretta Law, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 in Susanville, CA.
Francis was a long-time resident of Susanville where he was a respected business owner known for his honesty, work ethic, and generosity. He was the proud owner of the Shell gas station and Oil Changer on Main Street for over 20 years. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he held many leadership positions and spent countless hours in service to others. He loved working for 15 years as a sealer in the Reno, NV temple of the Church and considered it a privilege and honor to perform marriage sealings for several of his grandchildren.
Francis was married on September 11, 1951, to the love of his life, Ardalia Robertson Law. Their union lasted 73 years on earth but will continue into eternity. They built a legacy of love and many fond memories through hard work, serving others, and raising their family. Their home became a refuge for their family and friends and was often filled to capacity with love, laughter, and little hands.
Over the years, Francis would have many titles- Bishop, boss, landlord, fair sponsor, and mechanic. But, his most cherished titles were husband, Dad and Grandpa. He loved his family deeply and unconditionally. He was happiest when holding a baby, playing with a child, teaching a teen to drive and work, and watching his children and grandchildren start their own families. He is survived by his wife, Ardalia; his brother Dennis (Shirley) Law; 4 of his children: Kathleen Hancock, Michael (Sharlene) Law, Martin (Maureen) Law, and Yvonne (JD) Gill; 31 grandchildren, and 75 great- grandchildren. He was welcomed to the other side by his parents, 8 siblings, 2 of his sons, Randy Law and Kenny Law, his son-in-law Troy Hancock, and his great-grandson Daniel Haertling.
In the coming days and years, memories of Dad and Grandpa will always be associated with the smell of motor oil and his ability to fix nearly anything, a firm handshake by hands weathered from working in his garden and waging war with the rabbits and deer, his booming laugh and ready smile, his shiny red
convertible as well as his rusty old ram charger, and his daily uniform of pearl snap button shirts and cowboy hats. He had a love for fishing, gardening, reading, and walking the beach with his metal detector. His grandkids will always remember road trips to the lake, waking up to a roaring fire in the wood stove, the smell of bacon in the kitchen, and the sound of the radio in the morning. He loved buttery popcorn, homemade curly fries, fried chicken, macadamia nuts, and bbq potato chips. He could be counted on to always have a full pocket- a flashlight, a tire gauge, a tube of chapstick, a handkerchief, and enough change for a treat. He left a powerful example of someone who was always ready with a helping hand, a heartfelt word of encouragement and a love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed but he will never be too far away.
Francis’s final arrangements have been entrusted to Fink’s Funeral Home in Susanville, CA. His funeral will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2:00PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 905 Richmond Rd, Susanville, CA. The graveside service for immediate family will follow at a later date at Diamond Crest Cemetery.