Frances Marie Zirkle, also known as Fran, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 92 in Aurora, Ohio. She was born on September 17, 1931, in Madison, Ohio, to Walter and Angeline Sironen. Fran was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Fran is survived by her daughters, Sharon Zirkle (William Rogers) and Deborah Richardson, and her sons, David (Sue) Zirkle and James (Bonita) Zirkle. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph (Rosemary) Sironen, and sister, Shirley Conley. She also has seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren plus one on the way. Fran was preceded in death by her son, Terry Zirkle, sister Florence Stone, brothers Tom Sironen and Karl Sironen, as well as her parents, an infant granddaughter and great grandson.

Fran graduated from Madison Memorial High School as part of the Class of 1949. She had a varied career, starting with working on the family farm in her early years. Fran also had the opportunity to work at the Rabbit Run Theater in Madison, Ohio, where she fondly recalled an encounter with Dustin “Dusty” Hoffman, who once borrowed her bike and crashed it into a tree. After high school, she became a live-in nanny for a family in University Heights. Later on, Fran worked as a PBX operator at Cleveland Trust Bank in Painesville, OH. Once she got married, she dedicated her time to being a homemaker and managing the bookkeeping for her husband’s building business.

Fran found solace in her faith and enjoyed attending services at the Cathedral of Tomorrow and Ernest Angley services. She cherished her time spent sewing, trying new recipes, baking, and making wooden dolls. However, her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fran’s memory can be made to Multiple Breed Rescue, through Venmo: Multiple Breed Rescue or PayPal: rescue@mbrohio.com or Check to Multiple Breed Rescue, 37305 Royalton Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044.

Visitation and calling hours for Fran are 3-7pm Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St. Madison Ohio. Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the funeral home. Fran’s final resting place will be at Fairview Cemetery in Madison Village, with her son, Terry.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Frances Zirkle and honoring her memory. May she rest in eternal peace.