Obituary - Frances Royce

Frances Royce, of Ripley NY entered into eternal rest at the age of 96,on February 7, 2014 in The Willows of Presbyterian SeniorCare in Oakmont, PA.

Frances was born March 14, 1917 to Russell and Frances (Middleditch) Lillie of Ripley, NY.  She always shared fond memories of growing up on Ross Street in Ripley with her brothers and sisters: Howard, Marjorie (Becherer), Caroline (Barnhart), and Marvin.  They spent many hours playing at the nearby playground.

Frances earned her teaching certificate at Fredonia Normal School, and later received a Masters degree from the University of Buffalo.  She began her teaching career at as a jack of all subjects in a one-room school house in Westfield, NY.  In the early 1940’s, she continued teaching at Ripley Central School until her retirement in 1975.

A lifelong Ripley NY resident, she was active in her community and church.  As a child, she enjoyed attending Sunday School and attended the Ripley United Methodist Church all her life joining in 1928.  Childhood piano lessons grew into a lifelong passion with Frances playing the organ in her church for 63 years.

Frances married Maurice Arnold and after his death, later married Arthur Royce, who also preceded her in death.

Frances was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Mayflower Society, and a descendent of William Bradford.  She enjoyed reading books, writing letters, and growing flowers.

She was also preceded in death by nephews: David Becherer, and Edgar Stebbins and a niece: Charlotte (Stebbins) Brand.  Survivors include her nieces and nephews: Martha Bryant of Owensboro, KY, Dr. David (Madeline) Lillie of Buffalo, NY, Alice Lillie of Las Vegas, NV, and Laura (William) Wengerd of Oakmont, PA.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be Saturday February 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. with a gathering of family, friends, and community beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service at Ripley United Methodist Church.  Join us as we celebrate that Frances is safely at home with Jesus.  A luncheon will follow the 11 a.m. celebration service in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will be at Quincy Cemetery in Ripley NY.  Memorials may be made to the Ripley United Methodist Church, 84 W. Main Street, Ripley, NY 14775 or the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 59 East Main Street, Westfield, NY 14787. 

Arrangements were made by BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont, PA and WILLIAM D. ELKIN FUNERAL HOME, Northeast, PA.