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Frances L. Moran, 89, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021, at Chandler Place Assisted Living Community in Kendallville.
Fran took great pride in her family and their accomplishments. After her family, her church work was the center of her life. She also loved to work with people and enjoyed taking on responsibilities and leadership roles in any organization with which she was involved. Playing bridge, reading, cooking, gardening, sewing, entertaining, and baking (especially her famous yeast rolls) were special interests. One of her defining qualities was her drive to work tirelessly for her family, friends, church, job and organizations. She counted among her blessings the many friends she met along the way.
She was born July 3, 1932, in a farmhouse in Cass County, Michigan, to Clarence and Eva Meitzler. She spent her childhood years in Michigan, Florida and Bristol, Indiana. She graduated from Bristol High School in 1950. While in school, she was active in the band, girls’ basketball team, theater, 4-H and was the editor of the school newspaper and yearbook. After graduation, she worked at The Elkhart Truth newspaper and took night classes at Elkhart Business University.
She married her high school sweetheart, Robert L. Moran, at Bristol Methodist Church on Jan. 4, 1951. They lived at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, from 1952 to 1956, while Bob served on the original crew of the U.S.S. Nautilus. During this time, their daughters Debra and Marsha were born. After leaving the Navy, the Morans returned to Indiana, where their third daughter Nancy joined the family. Bob began his career as an Indiana State Policeman, and they moved to Kendallville in 1958.
Starting in 1965, Fran became an East Noble school secretary, working at Central School for 22 years, then at East Noble High School for 11 years. She retired in 1998 as the administrative assistant and treasurer of the high school. She also taught keyboarding, accounting and office procedures for the EN Adult Education Program for 15 years. She graduated with an ABS degree in Business Administration from Purdue University in 1988. She was a member of the Indiana and National Association of Education Office Professionals, including serving as IAEOP state president. She was named IAEOP Office Professional of the Year in 1995.
She was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville beginning in 1958. She served her church in many capacities, some of which include as Sunday School and VBS teacher, choir member, and multiple leadership positions.
Fran was a dedicated member of many clubs and community organizations, often serving as an officer and/or board member. As a member of Tri Kappa Sorority since 1965, she served as Chapter President, Associate Chapter President ten times, Province X Officer and chairman of local and state committees. During her five decades in the Kendallville Professional Business Women’s Association, Fran served in every office and on every committee, was District III Director, and was honored as PBWA’s Woman of the Year in 1994. She was also a 50+ year member of The Order of Eastern Star and Live and Learn Homemakers Extension Club and belonged to the Noble County Community Concert Association Board and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Fran is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and David Hockley of Kendallville, Marsha and Raymond Bassett of Kendallville and Dr. Nancy and Norman Hockley of Watkinsville, Georgia; six grandchildren, Angela Bassett Bruckner (Timothy) of Huntington, Megan Hockley of Kendallville, Laura Bassett Herendeen (John) of Mercer Island, Washington, Mark Hockley (Huong Nguyen) of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Sarah Hockley of Indianapolis and Samuel Hockley of Indianapolis; and seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and James Hockley, Kelsey, Alayna, and Alivia Bruckner and Holden and Cole Herendeen.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents Clarence and Eva and her sister Danalee.
Calling will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 11 at Hite Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Kendallville. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 12 at Trinity Church United Methodist, 229 S. State St., Kendallville at 11 a.m., with an additional calling one hour prior.
Preferred memorials are to Trinity Church United Methodist.
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