Martha Jane Francy

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 Mount Pleasant to Harry O. and Cecilia Marie Riley Smith. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1950. On Sept. 8, 1951, she married Dale William Francy at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Mount 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 Mount 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 Mount Pleasant, Edward (Darlene) of New London, Larry (Gwen) of New London, David of Mount Pleasant, Jerry (Diane) of Salem, and Michael of Mount Pleasant; fourteen 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; seventeen great-grandchildren; sister-in Law, Darlene Smith of Mount 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, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau officiating. Burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery, rural New London.

Visitation was Monday, May 12, at Elliott Chapel, New London.

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.