Frances M. Lemler 94, Bourbon, passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, in Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson.

Frances was born the daughter of Frank P. and Vandella (Whitson) Smith on May 29, 1922, in Odebolt, Iowa.

After her mother died when she was six years old she moved to Indiana where she lived with different aunts in Greencastle, Indianapolis and Austin. She graduated valedictorian of Austin High School in 1940 and continued her education in business school in Louisville then returned to Austin and worked for I.C. Morgan canning factory. She met her future husband Wayne A. Lemler while she was working at Morgan’s. He was guarding German POW’s who worked at the “Mater Mill”. They were married on Oct. 20, 1945, and moved into civilization at Bourbon and started Lemler Oil Company, January 1946.

Frances was very active in the Bourbon First United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Rebecca Lodge, IMBZ Club and was a room mother several times for both Kathy and Larry and helped make floats for the Bourbon fair. Frances also served as the town clerk/treasurer, sold real estate for Larry Nellans and worked for American Dream Tours, Plymouth. She also volunteered at Marshall County Historical Society and she traveled all 50 of the United States, Australia, Oberammergau, Germany and Israel. She also wintered in Florida for several years.

She is survived by her daughter: Kathleen (Alan) Blackwell, Carmel; and son: Larry (Donna) Lemler, Bourbon. She was blessed with grandchildren: Julie (Phil) Fowler; Chris (Meaghan) Blackwell; Matthew Lemler; Brian (Amanda) Lemler; and Jason (Lisa) Lemler; along with four great-grandchildren: Emma; and Jordan Fowler; Addison; and Jackson Lemler; special nieces: Elaine Whitfield; and Betty Vance; along with sister-in-law: Mary Jane Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Wayne Lemler; brother: Ralph Smither; and special nephew: Allen Pratt.

The family would like to especially thank caregiver Mindi Williams who has become a special part of our family the past five years.

The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, in the Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon. Also at the church the day of services from 10 a.m. until time of services. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, in the Bourbon First United Methodist Church with Pastor Bonnie Shoaf and Pastor Rob Seewold officiating.

The family requests that memorial contributions in her memory be made to Bourbon First United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted in arranging the services.