Frances Eby, 91, formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Jan. 8, 2014, in Kimmell, Ind.

She was born in Tenstrike, Minn., on Sept. 23, 1922. Fran lived in foster homes from age 7 or 8 until age 14. She graduated from high school in 1940. Fran received a scholarship and entered nurses training at St. Lukes Hospital, Duluth, Minn., in 1940. In 1954, she married Clarence Eby. He preceded her in death.

After graduating as an RN in 1944, Fran signed up for military service, and she was assigned to the 74th Field Hospital, both in Saipan and Okinawa, Japan. Fran served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corp, and was discharged at the end of WWII in 1946. She worked in Chicago hospitals thru 1948 then moved to Goshen, Ind., where she was employed at the “old Goshen Hospital” on 5th Street for 6 months until she was hired by Dr. Fred Clark and Dr. Robert Craig as their office nurse in Syracuse. After working for them for 7 years, she took time out to get married and raise a family. Fran was the first school nurse hired by the Wawasee Community Schools. Four years later, Fran returned to Goshen General Hospital in an administrative position, and having worked there for 26 years, she retired in 1985 due to health problems. She spent her remaining years with her family living with sons Charles and Craig in Kimmel. She was a gracious woman and a loving and much-loved mother.

She is survived by six children: Alice (Jim) Deich, Ridgefield Park, N.J.; Curtis Eby, Syracuse; Crystal Rogers, Cromwell, Ind.; and Carlton Eby, Charles Eby and Craig Eby, Kimmell; three grandchildren: Candy (Poe) Hill, Casey Rogers and Kevin Rogers; seven great-grandchildren: Christie Swango, Dawn Swango, Hailey Hill, Emma Hill, Alexus Collins, Allyssa Rogers and Colten Rogers; one great-great-grandchild: Ingrid Yarelli Lopez; and sisters: Ann Rogers, Duluth; and Margaret (Marge) Hendrickson, Beloit, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her father; her mother; six brothers; two sisters; a half-brother; and a half-sister.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Eastlund Funeral Home, SR 13, south of Syracuse. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. with graveside services being held at 4 p.m. at Syracuse Cemetery with full military honors.