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Frannie Stites Obituary
Frannie B. Stites, 71, of Sister Lakes passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving husband on Aug. 28, 2021.
Cremation has taken place, and a "Life of Memories" gathering will be held sometime in the future.
She leaves behind her husband and soul mate of 49 years, Denny; her brother, Frank (Nancy) Randall; sisters, Jan Kirby and Debbie (Joe) Chapa; daughter, Lori (Troy) Chollar; granddaughters, Kelli Chollar (Neil) Wilcoxson, Cayhlie Chollar and Ashley Chollar; nieces and nephews, Erika (Jason) Fallin, Orion and Maddie; Jennifer Kirby and Chris Courter, Katy Kirby (Matt) Suwak; Megan Wendt (Tony) VerPlancke, Coraline, Cullen and Quinn VerPlancke; Randy (Jackie) Wendt, Audrey and Bodhi Wendt; Katie Chapa (Luke) Lilevjen, Ellie, Clarence, Ezra and Titus Lilevjen; Joe (Megan) Chapa, Orya and Joey Chapa; Frankie (Kori) Chapa, Deacon Chapa; and Becky Chapa.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne Wendt; and parents, Frank and Norma Randall.
Frannie was well known in Dowagiac as an Avon lady for 35 years (the one who delivered orders by bicycle, motorcycle, unicycle, skis, on foot, Rollerblades or sometimes even by car).
She also taught ballet, jazz and tap for several years for Miss Cheri's School of Dance and for UpStage & Co. She lead aerobics classes for many more years for the Michigan Athletic and Aerobics Club and for Cass County Council on Aging. She was helpful in getting COA's Front Street Crossing aerobics program up and running, and the studio there bears her name on a plaque on the wall.
Frannie was a singer/songwriter, performing along with husband, Denny, at many venues in and around Dowagiac, Sister Lakes and St. Joseph, as the duo Cool Change. She also performed with the Champagne Flutes, Wildwood Flowers and sometimes as a solo artist.
Known for her good humor and dedication to any job she held, Frannie always gave everything her best effort. She will be missed by many.
Memorials can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Cass County COA, Marie Yeager Cancer Center in St. Joseph, or a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frannie Stites
6 Entries
Leah S
August 26, 2024
Two years have gone by alteady, and I still have times when I think I have to tell you. Then I realize that I can't. I hear the sound of an old VW bug, and I'll turn around looking for you. I hope we see each other again.
I U, Leah
Leah
August 28, 2022
It's hard to believe a year has gone by. I still have things happen that make me think "I have to tell Fran". Then I remember, I can't. I hope to see you again someday.
Barb Jones
September 28, 2021
Denny, we are so sorry about Frannie, she was a very special person. Troy and Barb Jones
Leah Schmecht
September 17, 2021
Fran and I were the best of friends in high school and have never lost that friendship. We were in touch with each other almost constantly since 1965. She was a beautiful person, and I will miss her always.
Denise Neufeldt
September 16, 2021
Frannie and I went to school together. She was beloved by all and will be missed by our tight knit class. She can now rest after her long battle fighting cancer.
Jim Gudgeon
September 15, 2021
I´m so sorry to hear about Frannie she was a talented and intelligent woman. To the Randall´s my X Neighbors and to the Stites Family my Condolences
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