Frances Elizabeth Wells

Frances Elizabeth Wells, Age 96, of Litchfield, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at Claudia's Glenn at Hillsdale County Medical Care. Frances Elizabeth (Walton) Wells was born February 12, 1929, in Osseo, Michigan to the late Charles and Osie (Harlan) Walton. She graduated from Pittsford High School in 1946 and was then hired as the first secretary for the Pittsford consolidated school system.
On October 18, 1947, Fran married Clifton F. Wells. In 1952, Clif and Fran along with Harold and Anna Doty founded Doty & Wells which later became Wells Equipment Sales in Litchfield. Many long hours, a wonderful staff and loyal customers made the business a success. Fran played an active part in the business and served as secretary and treasurer for the corporation until retirement. Wells Equipment Sales was operated by her son, Steve and his wife Karen until their retirement.
The Wells' lived in Jonesville until 1972 and then moved to Litchfield.
In Jonesville, Fran was an active member of the Jonesville United Methodist Church where she served in many offices as well as teaching Sunday School. She was a member and president of the former Jonesville Culture Club, member of the Jonesville School Board and served as a Scout Leader.
In Litchfield, Fran was an active member of the Litchfield United Methodist Church where she served in several offices and was church treasurer for 10 years. She was a member of the former Sorosis Club and member and past president of the Litchfield Garden Club.
Fran was active in the Republican Party and a member of the Hillsdale County Executive Committee for over 35 years and served as vice chairman for 6 years. She also served on the Republican State Central Committee-7th District. In 1985, Fran was named the Hillsdale County Republican of the Year. She was also past president of the Hillsdale County Republican Women and in 1987 received their Republican Woman of the Year Award. In 1981, the Wells' attended the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. In 1996, Fran was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in San Diego.
Fran was a long-time member of the Woman's Congress at the Hillsdale County Fair where she served in most of their offices including president. She was a member of the Hillsdale Community Health Center Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading and flower gardening, especially growing roses which she shared with others. Clif and Fran were members of Branch County Country Couples. Over the years they loved dancing. The Wells' traveled in both the United States and other countries. They wintered in Venice, Florida for many years.
With Fran's many activities, her love was her husband and family. Those surviving are her three children, Rebecca Marvin of Kalamazoo, Steven (Karen) Wells of Quincy and Christopher (Marcia) Wells of Tucson, Arizona; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Marvin (Neil) Krauter and Ryan Wells; three great grandchildren, Jacob, Adam and Madelynn Wells and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton, following nearly 70 years of marriage; siblings, Clifford, Z.B., Claude, Robert, Paul, Virginia Trier, Liz Wolfe and Max; an infant grandson, Connor Wells and an infant great grandson, Steven Wells.
Services honoring the life and faith of Frances Elizabeth Wells will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Jonesville United Methodist Church with Pastor Tina Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset View Cemetery in Jonesville. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Litchfield District Library or Jonesville United Methodist Church.