Susan Francis

TROY - Susan Diller Francis, age 67, of Troy, OH, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 29, 2025, at Hospice of Cincinnati Blue Ash. She was born on January 2, 1958, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Betty (Stefanic) Diller and the late Charles Diller.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Patrick Francis; her beloved children, Kelsey (Casey) Cramer, Ryan (Hannah) Francis, Kara (Andrew) Barfell, and Kaitlyn (Andrew) Steffensmeier; and her seventeen adored grandchildren, Caleb, Christopher, Karis, Katherine, and Callum Cramer; Henry, Claire, Rowan, and Louisa Francis; Emmeline, Matthew, Luke, and Crew Barfell; Owen, Sofia, Ella, and Audrey Steffensmeier. She is also survived by her mother, Betty Diller, her sister, Linda (John) Doherty of Cape Cod, MA, her brother, Charles J. Diller of Pittsburgh, PA, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Diller.

Susan grew up in Pleasant Hills, PA just outside of Pittsburgh, the oldest of three kids. She was a wonderful daughter and cherished sister, who looked out for her younger brother and sister every day. She graduated from Bowling Green State University where she met her husband and love of her life, Patrick. They were married shortly following graduation and moved to Troy, OH where they started a family. Susan cared deeply for her husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone around her. She dedicated her life to putting the needs of others in front of her own. To her family, she was everything-an amazing wife, the best mother, and an adored Mimi to her grandchildren.

Above all, Susan loved God with all her heart, and her faith shaped every step of her life. She walked with God daily, facing hardship with unrelenting love and grace. For the last two and a half years with glioblastoma, she remained steadfast, never complaining, shining with the love of Jesus and bringing so many people to know God. Everyone who knew Susan, knew the kindness of God. She followed Jesus with not only her words, but in action, serving her family and community. She was active in her church as she was instrumental in founding King's Cross Community Church in Springboro. She devoted more than 35 years to serving her community as a board member of St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen in Troy, OH.

Susan loved spending time with her family, whether that was making holidays magical, watching her grandkids' sports games, boating at Indian Lake, and traveling to her birthplace in Alaska and her ancestry in Scotland. But no matter where in the world Susan went, her love at home was what marked her life. She was a wonderful wife, who deeply loved her husband with everything she had.

Their marriage is an incredible love story – with their love withstanding trials and shining brighter despite it all. For her children, she was a selfless mom and truly their best friend. She was a trusted confidant of so many friends and steady counselor to many. Her joy, laughter, and deep love for others will be forever remembered and profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 3rd, at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, OH. The visitation and reception with appetizers will be from 4:00–7:00pm, with the service starting at 7:00pm. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Troy, OH, on Tuesday, November 4th, at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to King's Cross Community Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.