Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Frances Diane (Rice) Harris, 71, Sandusky, was called home to the Lord on Monday evening, June 6, 2016, in Stein Hospice Care Center.
She was born on July 15, 1944, in Sandusky, Ohio, to the Late Franklin L.V. and Dorothy (Alexander) Rice.
She graduated from Sandusky High School. She took a break to care for her ailing mother. She attended and graduated from barber school in Columbus, Ohio. She came home to work in Gordon's Barber Shop as a barber. Then furthered her education at Bowling Green State University Extension.
Fran retired from Ford Motor Company with 30 years of service. Starting out as a switch board operator and retiring as an ESSP/EAP representative and pretty much running the skilled trades department. She served her fellow Ford employees on and off the clock through the Employee Assistance Program unconditionally.
She leaves to mourn her lovely daughters Danielle (Donnell) Butler, Sandusky, Ohio and Jacqueline Harris, Toledo, Ohio. As she would say, "I wish I had them first" her grandchildren, Justin Brent Harris, Willoughby, Ohio, Courtney Nicole Butler, Eastlake, Ohio, Keisha Renee Butler, Graham, North Carolina, Schyan Shawnte Harper, Toledo, Ohio, Khamri Mekhi Harris, Toledo, Ohio, Legynd Lee Moore, Toledo, Ohio. Mary Charlotte (Rice) McElrath, Cleveland, Ohio was her older sister, but those who know Fran, knew it was hard to tell who was the older sister or the younger sister. Her sister gave her the gift of a nephew, Michael Franklin McElrath, Cleveland, Ohio. Also some very special childhood cousins Jan Croom, Mary Jo Robinson and Brenda Parker as well as childhood friends Paula Keys and Harold Durr. She may have been fired if her very best friend Rosa Bourque wasn't there by her side at Ford.
Fran was small in stature, but was very vocal in sharing with everyone her firm belief that all things are possible with God. Throughout her illness, she never lost her faith. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sandusky, first under the leadership of Pastor Harris, Pastor Troy then Pastor Brown. She worked with the youth department. Also sang with the Harmonette's for years. Fran really loved watching "the View". She would sit and watch the show and not answer the phone while the show was on. She enjoyed sewing and crafts. She was a master seamstress/designer. She loved reading. She has read 1500 books as recorded by Amazon. Fran also loved watching the Food Network. She loved food! Once a dish was mentioned, she wasn't satisfied until she was able to partake of that particular food. Her family would tease her about this.
Friends may call on Friday, June 10, 2016 from 11 A.M. until time of memorial services at 12 P.M. Noon in Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Rev. Darrell Gant will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in France's name to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com.
