Ruth Webb

Frances Becomes a Person: a Mentally Challenged Woman's Journey to Independence Ruth Webb

Frances Becomes a Person recounts the eventful life of author Ruth C. Webb's beloved housekeeper, Frances Elizabeth Lohr. Virtually an outcast, Frances' journey begins at the age of thirteen. The journey on which she continues throughout most of her life will lead her toward the goal of finding a home-and a purpose. Many events make mildly retarded Frances feel alone, unwanted, and unloved. After the devastating death of her father, Frances moves from her family's home to a neighbor's farm. Here, Frances encounters a farmhand who rapes her. As a result, Frances becomes pregnant and eventually marries the farmhand. When worsening seizures force Frances to be moved to a county home, she finds a new purpose-as a kitchen assistant. Just when she is comfortable in her new life, circumstances force Frances to move again, this time to a state hospital school. After twenty-two years of the same routine at the state home, Frances is presented with a new opportunity. Dr. Ruth Webb, a new psychologist in town, needs a housekeeper-and Frances is the top candidate. With Dr. Webb, she finally finds a loving home, where she continues to learn, grow, and contribute to others until her death at age seventy-five.