Frances Scanlon Milner, 88, died March 11, surrounded by her family at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center on Bainbridge Island.

She was born Jan. 17, 1915, in Indianapolis, Ind., the daughter of Thomas and Kathleen (Barton) Scanlon.

She graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute, Ind. She married William F. Milner in 1941 and with him enjoyed a life of travel and residency in many places — from New York City where she studied social work, to British Columbia where she and William built a log cabin home.

After settling in Anchorage, Alaska, she became a respected social worker with the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services. She pioneered the concept in Alaska of permanent placement for children.

After moving to Washington in 1988 she continued to work in social work, at Helpline House on Bainbridge Island.

She was preceded in death by her husband William in October 2001.

She is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Gilmore of Anchorage, Alaska, her husband James, and sons Chester and William; and Sarah White of Bainbridge Island, her husband Tom and daughter Emma; and son Robert Milner of Portland, Ore., his wife Cheryl, and their children Garrett and Toni.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. March 29 at Wyatt House, 186 Wyatt Way, Bainbridge Island.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.