EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO – Thelma L. (Owens) Francis, 99, of East Liverpool, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.

Thelma was born in Empire, Ohio on August 19, 1925, a daughter of the late Howard L. and Minnie P. (Hartline) Owens. She was a graduate of Jefferson Union High School. Thelma worked in Dayton right after high school as a clerk for a government office for the war effort during WW II. She also worked at Hills Department Store and Vittle Village in LaCroft. Thelma enjoyed reading books and playing cards. She was a member of the 500 Card Club with the same women for over fifty years. Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and enjoyed cooking for the family. She was also known as the Queen of entertaining of Pleasant Heights.

Preceding Thelma in death were her husband of 51 years, Robert Francis, whom she married July 13, 1945; two brothers Howard and Harold Owens and three sisters Edith Hannan, Judy Miskimmons and Shannon Harris.

Left to cherish Thelma's memory are her daughter Melissa Smith and her husband Chip; three sons Robert Francis and his wife Lorrie, Kim Francis and his wife Nancy and Kevin Francis and his wife Lisa; ten grandchildren Ryan Francis, Tony McKay and his wife Rachel, Kacey Francis and his wife Jenn, Jody Thaler and her husband Justin, Seth Francis and his companion Kari Miller, Joshua Francis and his companion Patty Yoho, Heather Smith, Sean Creamer and his wife Jackie, Megan Crighton and her husband Chris and Melissa Jane "M.J." Smith and 20 great grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Tuesday where the family will be

present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pastor Norm Eckert will conduct a service at the funeral home

on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Burial at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Immediately following the service, the family will gather at the Dawson Family Center for a time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed in memory of Thelma to The Way Station's Second Chance Book Nook, 135 W. Fifth Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.