Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
Ronald Francis
Ronald Simon Francis, the oldest child of Glen Robert and Melva (Simon) Francis, was born at home on June 17, 1934 in Russia, Ohio and baptized the same day at St. Remy Catholic Church.
His family moved to Sidney while he was still a child, and he had many fond memories of growing up on the south end of Sidney. He graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1953 and served in the United States Army for 2 years, stationed in Germany. After working at ODOT and New Idea, he joined his father in the furniture business and worked at the Francis Furniture store in Celina for 15 years. In 1980 he built a second Francis Furniture location and moved his family to Sidney, and in future years built stores in Troy and Greenville. Although he retired in the 1990s, he frequently visited the businesses, giving advice (sometimes unwanted) and sharing wisdom learned on the sales floor.
Ron married Patricia Grillot, daughter of Joseph Oswald (J.O.) and Mary (Hemmelgarn) Grillot, on May 30, 1959 at St. Remy Church in Russia, Ohio. They are the parents of six children - Lynne (Stephen) Springer, Tara (John) Adams, and Tisha (Eric) Huth all of Sidney; Lance Francis of St. Petersburg, FL; Glen (Joanne Rivera) Francis of Greensboro, NC; and Joseph Grillot Francis (infant, dec).
His grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa, are: Stephanie & Matt Leddy (Gianna (dec.), Mary, John, Peter), Jordan & Cassidy Springer, Alex & Mindy Adams (Cohen, Ivy, Remy), Brian & Maggie Adams (Kai, Rowyn, Maverik), Andrew Adams (Nora), Maria, Lisa, Claire, & Matthew Adams; Patrick Francis, Alec & Emma Francis, Wesley Francis, Joseph Simpson, Emma Simpson, Connor & Lindsay Huth, Logan Huth, and Steve's daughter Jennifer and her family.
Ron's siblings are Robert & Bonnie Francis (both dec), Marilyn and William Sullivan; Randy and Denise Francis; and Joseph Francis (infant, dec). His in-laws are: Annette & Jerry Goldschmidt (both deceased), Mary Jo (dec) and Robert Enneking; Carol & Robert (dec) Huecker; Louise (dec) & Ray Koenig; Joan (deceased) & Mike Donauer; Barbara & Dan Creagan; Nancy (dec) & Dr. Lynn Maurer.
Ron thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved all animals, especially cats, was an avid card player, and liked to play April Fool's jokes. Other interests included following the stock market, metal detecting, traveling, hunting golf balls, and picking blackberries for Pat's homemade pies. He was a faithful member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and volunteered for many years at the Holy Angels Soup Kitchen, the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, and the church cleaning crew.
Funeral services will be held at St. Remy Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment is at St. Remy Cemetery. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Russia from 4 to 7 PM on Monday and from 9 to 10 AM on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald S. Francis Scholarship fund c/o of Holy Angels School or the Holy Angels Soup Kitchen.
Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.
