Betty L. Francis, at the age of 104, passed away May 13th, 2026, at home surrounded by her four surviving children.

She was born on September 18, 1921, in Grandview, Illinois, the eldest daughter of Oscar C. and Maria A. Grable. She married Raymond M. Francis in Paris, Illinois in 1941. He preceded her in death on March 22, 2014.

Mrs. Francis is survived by three daughters, Jeanette L. Wilson (Robert R.) of Charleston Illinois, Debora D. Crawford (Max L.) of Seffner, Florida and Ramona J. Meryman (Dale) of Dade City, Florida; and one son David J. Francis (Barbara) of Fishers, Indiana. She is survived by 11 Grandchildren, 18 Great-Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter Norma R. VanSelow (2020) and her husband Douglas L. VanSelow (2013), plus three younger sisters Kathryn Stokes, Annus Swinford and Ruth Rule.

Mrs. Francis was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crafts, quilting and painting. She was a 4-H Leader, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and a Sunday School Teacher. In her younger days she loved ballroom dancing and playing card games with the grandkids. Betty continued to learn new skills throughout her life and shared those skills with all who knew her. Nothing surpassed her faith in our Lord, dedication to her family and devotion to her children.

Originally from Charleston, Illinois, they made their home at Robinson Orange Park, in Plant City Florida for the past forty-one years. She enjoyed her many friends from across the country.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association in her honor.