Frances Marie DeFord

1922 - 2011

Frances Marie DeFord, 89, of Bath, passed away at Sunny Acres Home in Petersburg at 6:50 a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2011. She was born January 31, 1922 in Bath to Frank and Dollie (Miller) Holmes. She married James N. Thomas and he preceded her in death on October 14, 1968. She later married Charles R. “Buck” DeFord on August 4, 1973 and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1998.

Mrs. DeFord is survived by four sons, Frank (Delores) Thomas of Venice, PA, James (Judy) Thomas of Petersburg, Elias Contee (Joyce) Thomas of Bath, Raymond Thomas of Petersburg, four daughters, Sharon (Jim) Leathers of Easton, Ollie (Leroy) Grey of Farmington,  Dollie Lacy of Bath, Violet (Steve) Blakeley of Easton as well as 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, Richard Holmes of Rushville and Larry and Jimmy Holmes of Bath, sister Florene Williams of Havana, as well as numerous stepchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by six sisters, two brothers, her parents, two husbands, one daughter and two great-grandsons.

Mrs. DeFord was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church and had formerly attended the Easton Baptist Church for many years. She was a homemaker and had worked for 12 years at Martin Manor Nursing Home in Havana. She enjoyed singing and her favorite song was “My Mother” by Peter Bilhorn.

Cremation rites have been accorded and graveside services will be held at Bath Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2011. Rev. Duane Turley will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.