09/03/2026
Fran High, age 95, formerly of Spring City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August
29, 2026, at Maple Knoll Village in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Fran was born on November 25, 1930, in Elmwood, Tennessee, to the late Archie and Maggie
Baker Dickens.
Fran was a dedicated and passionate educator who spent 30 years teaching in the Cincinnati School System. She was extremely proud of her career as a teacher and of the many students whose lives she touched throughout the years. Teaching was more than a profession to Fran—it was a meaningful part of who she was, and she took great pride in the difference she made in the lives of her students. She retired after 30 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of caring, commitment, and love for education.
After retirement, Fran and her first husband, the late Robert W. High, moved to Spring City in 1986, where they made their home on Watts Bar Lake. Fran quickly became an active and beloved member of the Spring City community. She served as President of the GFWC Spring City Woman’s Club and as President of the 3rd District of the GFWC in Tennessee.
Fran was also a devoted and active member of Spring City Presbyterian Church. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully served her church as both an Elder and a Deacon. She cherished her church family and was always willing to give her time and talents in service to others.
Fran also became deeply involved with the Tennessee Valley Theatre, where she appeared in many plays and served as President. She had a wonderful love of the arts and enjoyed sharing her talents and enthusiasm with others.
Fran loved to travel and was fortunate to see much of the world, visiting several continents throughout her life. She also loved to dance and joined the Grandview Twirlers, where she met her second husband, the late William Harnishfeger. Fran and Bill shared a love of adventure and traveled throughout the country on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Together, they were honored as the “Couple of the Year” by the GWRA (Gold Wing Riders Association), Chapter M.
Following Bill’s death, Fran continued to enjoy her life in Spring City. She loved playing bridge, traveling with friends, and remaining active in the community she had grown to love so dearly. In her later years, Fran moved back to Cincinnati to be closer to her family.
Fran was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was a woman of strong Presbyterian faith.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Fran was preceded in death by her brother, Howard W.
Dickens, and her great-grandson, Colin Francis Loebig.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Betty) High of Monroe, Ohio; Patricia (Mike) Hensley of Hamilton, Ohio; and Jackie (Dennis) Farrer of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; her brother, Ronnie
(Kay) Dickens of Gallatin, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Shannon (Eric) Navin, Michael (Jamie)Hensley, Barbara (Michael) Daniels, Stephen High, Nicole (Bobby) Loebig, and Adam (Cristina)
Mathias; and nine beloved great-grandchildren, Spencer Navin, Kinlee and Melissa May, Sebastian and Xavier Daniels, Camryn and Robby Loebig, and Joseph and Joshua Mathias.
Fran lived an incredible 95 years filled with purpose, adventure, friendship, family, faith, and service to others. She will be remembered especially for her dedication to education, her love of her students, her devotion to her church and community, her vibrant personality, her adventurous spirit, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.
A Celebration of Fran’s life will be held this fall in Tennessee, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husbands, Bob and Bill.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Cincinnati or Cure Alzheimer's Fund in Fran’s memory.
Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of arrangements for Fran High. Share your memories of Fran at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com
