Frances Verdene Buchanan, 97, of Somerset formerly of Ligonier, PA died January 13, 2018 at The Patriot. Born January 4, 1921 in Wilbur (Stoystown RD) PA she is the daughter of Orange and Sylva (Shaffer) Buchanan. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Dwight L. Buchanan, and wife Sally Ann Buchanan. Survived by nieces Carolyn L. Labik and husband Joseph of Somerset, Cindy L. Collins and husband Michael of  Leesburg, VA, and Christie B Truscott and husband Daniel Truscott of Nashville, TN, also survived by five great nieces; Megan and Emily Collins, Salliann Labik and Ella and Sophie Truscott. Frances is a 1939 graduate of Shade Twp. High School, the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Class of 1942, and the University of Colorado NROTC Unit in 1954. She entered Navy Nurse Corps June 1943, serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, she served in many USN Hospitals in U.S. and Hawaii 1946 before it was a state. In 1949 served on Kwajalein Island for the Atomic Bomb test on Bikini Island. After Navy service of 23 years taught Practical Nurses at Vocational Technical Schools in Willow Grove, PA and Somerset, PA. Life member of Military Officers Association of America and General Greene local chapter of Greensburg in which she served as secretary for fifteen years. Resided in Ligonier for 31 years where she volunteered for American Red Cross Blood drives. Member of St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, Ligonier where she served on the Alter Guild for ten years. Enjoyed the Domino playing groups of Ligonier and Somerset. In 2008 donated her USN uniforms to the Shade-Central City Historical Society.  Friends received 10 a.m.- 12 noon Saturday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset, where  a service will immediately follow at 12 noon with Reverend Paul Poerschke officiating.  Interment Somerset County Memorial Park.  Military rites accorded by the Somerset County Honor Guard.  Contributions may be made to St. James Ev. Lutheran Church 300 W. Main St. Ligonier, PA 15658. www.haugerzeigler.com

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