Frances E. Johnson, 82, of Franklin, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 29, 2008, surrounded by her family, after a long illness.

Born in Akron, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Paul Staiger and Beatta Bubee Staiger. She grew up in Stow, Ohio, graduated from Stow High School, then later received a diploma from Akron City School of Nursing. She married John Johnson on June 30, 1946. They lived and raised their children in Hudson, Ohio, later moving to Birmingham Ohio, before retiring to the mountains of North Carolina in 1984. Fran was an avid quilter, gardener and baker. She had a strong faith and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Frances was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Staiger.

Fran leaves behind her husband of 61 years, John; two sons, Douglas and wife Marilyn of Gold Canyon, Arizona and Timothy and wife Deborah of Franklin; three daughters, Bronwyn Rongaus of Mesa, Arizona, Joan Johnson of Seattle, Washington and Janet Dyer and husband Ron of Roseboro, NC; sister, Joyce Glynn of Locust Grove, VA; eight grandchildren, Eric Johnson, Marc Johnson, Stephanie Short, Bryan Prack, Bronwyn Johnson, Ian Johnson, Tori Johnson and Kalia Johnson; three nieces; three nephews and her dog Speckles.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 38 Wayah Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences @www.maconfuneralhome.com

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