Published: May 26, 2021


Helen Marie Ridner Francis passed away Monday morning, May 24th, 2021, at her home in Washington, Illinois. She was born on July 9th, 1931 in Pulaski, Tennessee and was 89 years old.

Helen married the love of her life at 23yrs old and then had 5 children. She was a waitress all of her life and loved every costumer. She loved going to bingo with her husband, and bowling was a big hobby she shared with her daughter Brenda. Family time was important to her so board games, cards, and taking her family fishing took up all her free time.

The visitation will be 3:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, May 28, 2021, at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 11:00am Saturday, May 29, 2021 in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home.

The burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Ruth Short Ridner. Her husband Harris Francis Jr., her 2 sons John and Don Francis, her daughter Peggy Fravell, and 7 of her siblings.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda Osborne, and son Ronald Francis, along with her grand children James Burhans, Jeremy (Frances) Francis, Shannon (Tammy) Schindler, Tabatha (Sean) Maurer, David (Corina) Osborne, Tamie (Jerry) Stropes, Brandy (Brent) Rassi. As well as 2 sisters Katie and Ethel, and a brother, Leslie. 18 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great-Granddaughter also survive.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Helen Marie Francis.