09/09/2026
Frances York Davies (nee Randall) passed away at the UC Blood Cancer Center September 7, 2026, on her 84th birthday. Frances was born on September 7th, 1942, to the late Milton and Florence Randall in Harrison, OH. Frances graduated from Dillsboro High School in 1960. On September 17th of that year, she married Tommy Davies, who preceded her in death. She was a stay-at-home mother while raising their four children and later worked for many years as a machine operator at Beverly Industries in Farmers Retreat, Indiana. Each fall, she also helped several local farmers during tobacco-stripping season. Frances enjoyed refinishing furniture, and many friends and family members still have beautiful antique pieces she restored. Her other hobbies included ceramics and creating pinecone Christmas wreaths, some of which were sold at Marshall Field’s in Chicago . Frances was a founding member of the Home EC club sponsored by Purdue called The Baker’s Dozen. The 12 ladies met once a month and did various fundraising and activities. They also enjoyed day trips to Cincinnati talk shows and visiting educational venues. Frances held a high school classmate reunion at her home every summer for the last several years and stayed connected with all 21 graduating members. Most were friends since first grade and they enjoyed their gatherings. Frances just loved traveling and enjoyed many road trips with “the girls” over the years to several states and National Parks across the U.S. Her favorites were states out west with mountain views, especially the Rocky Mountains. She also loved visiting coastlines with lighthouses and over the years collected an abundance of lighthouse replicas in assorted sizes. Frances attended the Indy 500 for 50 yrs with family members and friends cheering on her favorite driver Mario Andretti. Her children always waited for the yearly T-shirts she would bring home to them. She was always up for a Bob Seger concert but also loved Elvis and the old country singers like Johnny Cash, Waylon, Conway, and Merle Haggard, and of course Don Williams. Obviously, Frances had a passion for life and enjoyed many things, but her biggest passion was her family. She was so proud of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and husband previously mentioned and her sisters Chiquetta Klinger (Jack) and Martha Kelly (Lake). She is survived by her sister Jeanne Kinnett (Doug) Dillsboro, IN, her daughter Tina Bly (David) Florence IN, sons Michael Davies (Amy) Dewberry, IN, Patrick Davies (Heidi) Farmers Retreat, IN, and Frank Davies (Heather) Farmers Retreat, IN. Grandchildren, Kurtis Burgess (Kara) Fairland, IN, Anna Arpaia (Daniel) Woodbridge, CT., Parker Devers, Greenfield, IN, Jeremiah Bly (Helene) Lawrenceville, GA, Todd Bly (Miriam) Joliet, ILL, Ben Davies (Danielle) Dewberry, IN, Joe Davies (Nicole) Friendship, IN, Rachel Althoff (Curt) Cross Plains, IN, Ethan Davies (Gracie) Dillsboro, IN, Abby Conety (Dustin) Berlin, PA, Taran Davies Lawrenceburg, IN, Erin Davies Farmers Retreat, IN, Tristan Davies (Bayleigh) Farmers Retreat, IN, Savannah Davies, Florence, KY, Austin Rump Dillsboro, IN, and Hailey Rump Farmers Retreat. 30 great-grandchildren with 3 due next spring which Frances was very excited about and many nieces and nephews. Frances was affectionately known as Mom, Mamoo, Mama, and Grandma. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department or the St. Peter Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
