Frances Newkirk Speck, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Fahrney-Keedy Home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 29, 1915 at her home in Little Georgetown, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late James C. and Nellie V. (Ellis) Newkirk. Her husband of 52 years, Winter Newnam Speck, preceded her in death on April 19, 1990.
Frances was a graduate of Hedgesville High School in the class of 1934.
France's life revolved around her love of church, family, home and community. She was an outstanding cook and seamstress. She enjoyed needlework and reading.
At the time of her death, Frances was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hagerstown, which she had joined in 1950. Over the years she enjoyed being involved in the Presbyterian Women, the ladies circle and Sunday School. For many years she was also a member of the Hagerstown Christian Women Association.
In addition to her church involvement, Frances was a Red Cross Volunteer, a member of Halfway Homemaker's Club and the West Virginia Society.
In addition to her parents and husband, Frances was also preceded in death by her four siblings; Mason Newkirk, Nannie Dunham, Ruth Feltner and Sara Sullivan, her son-in-law Lester Mentzer and her grandson, Adam Ruffner.
She is survived by her three daughters, Audrey M. Mentzer, Sybil A. Bender and husband Jerry L. Bender and Linda S. Ruffner and husband Dolyn P. Ruffner. Also surviving her are her grandchildren, Douglas J. Mentzer, Lesa F. Bowers, Randall L. Bender and wife Penny, Rebecca A. Sweigert and husband Fred Sweigert and Eric Ruffner; great grandchildren, Douglas Mentzer II, Dylan Bender, Haley and Brent Sweigert, Hannah Ruffner and Ethan Ruffner, Frances also had great-great granddaughters, Ashley, Megan, and Carley Mentzer.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown with Pastor Kyle Powderly officiating.
Interment will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Church of Hagerstown, S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, MD 21740 or to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.
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