Martha Jane Francy

1932 - 2025

Martha Jane Smith Francy, 92, of New London, died Thursday, May 8, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born June 8, 1932 in Mt. Pleasant to Harry O. and Cecilia Marie Riley Smith. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1950. On Sept. 8, 1951 she married Dale William Francy at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant. He died Oct. 4, 2015.

Fresh out of high school Martha went to work for Roger Galer as a secretary. She worked at the Farm Credit Union and the Farm Services Agency in Mt. Pleasant for many years, all the while raising six boys and helping her husband on the farm.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella in West Point; Henry County Historical Society; Henry County Cattlemen's Association; and Farm Bureau. Following retirement, she was on the FSA County Committee.

She enjoyed camping, traveling, history, being on the farm, raising cattle, gardening, flowers, and socializing with family and friends. She and her husband received Cattlemen of the Year Award in 2005.

Survivors include six sons, William of Mt. Pleasant, Edward (Darlene) of New London, Larry (Gwen) of New London, David of Mt. Pleasant, Jerry (Diane) of Salem, and Michael of Mt. Pleasant; 14 grandchildren, Nathan Francy, Amy Gilbertson, Philip Francy, Matthew Francy, Kristin Mayberry, Samantha Hawkins, Kyle Francy, Molly Francy, Brent Holtkamp, Amanda Keck, Brianne Dunkelberger, Jordan Francy, Ryan Francy and Will Francy; a7 great-grandchildren; sister-in Law Darlene Smith of Mt. Pleasant; and nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter Jeannette Francy; daughter-in-law Wendy Francy; and siblings Harriett Halliwill, William R. Smith, Catherine Virginia Smith, H. Eugene Smith, Mary Cecilia Merrell, and Jack Smith.

The funeral service for Mrs. Francy will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery, rural New London. Visitation will begin at noon Monday, May 12, at Elliott Chapel, New London. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials have been established to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Mary's Catholic Church and Bethany Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.