Frances Gren

A beautiful woman on the inside and out, Fran Gren was every bit a lady. With her caring and compassionate ways, everyone loved Fran and truly enjoyed her company. She was always upbeat and happy with a positive nature, no matter what life brought her way. Deeply missed, she will be fondly remembered in the hearts of many.

During a time when the nation continued to struggle through the tumultuous times of the Great Depression, Americans forged on with lasting hope as they re-elected President Teddy Roosevelt to his second term. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire danced their way into the hearts of many, and readers were fascinated with the newly published novel, Gone With the Wind. Yet for Elmer and Ruby (Mitchell) Lang, their attention was focused on the blessed birth of their little girl, Frances "Fran" Gren, born on April 7, 1936.

Born and raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama with its small city charm and the home of Helen Keller, Fran was the youngest of six children in her family. She joined older siblings, Floyd, Travis, Oliver, Marie, and Elmer Jr. in their family home where her father was a hard working cotton farmer. Her mother looked after young Fran and her siblings until her untimely death when Fran was merely a three year old toddler. During her youth, Fran attended the local school and at home, each of the children helped their father in the fields. Although she spent most of her formative years in Alabama, Fran was 13 years old when her family moved north to Michigan where they settled in the city of Kalamazoo.

Fran was an outgoing young girl and adjusted well to her new surroundings. From a young age she had a gift for gab and developed many new friendships. She attended the area schools in Kalamazoo before graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1954.

To further her education, Fran went on to attend Western Michigan University for the next year. She became a flight attendant for a short time, but life held new blessings for her when she met James Williams. Having met through a flight attendant friend of hers, James worked for the F.A.A., the Federal Aviation Administration. After dating for a time and falling in love, she and James were happily married in November of 1958. What made Fran's life even more complete was the blessing of motherhood with the births of her two children, Curt and Lesa. In 1966, Fran and her husband moved their family to nearby Plainwell where they developed and began the housing community of Pinecrest Mobile Villa, a local mobile home park.

Although her marriage ended in 1974, Fran was grateful for her two wonderful children. It wasn't always easy being a single parent, but Fran raised her children with pride. She took a keen interest in their schooling and was involved in their extra activities as much as she was able. She worked hard to provide a good life for her family and even went on to become a dental assistant. Although she was fond of animals, Fran never appreciated any in her home.

Fran had a penchant for golf and served on an area golf league. Through this endeavor, she met Carl Gren in 1981, a handsome gentleman who was also on a local league. With much in common, Fran and Carl shared many of the same interests and ideals, and made for great companions. When they eventually married in May of 1982, Fran was overjoyed to add the love for Carl's two children, Jeff and Pam into her heart.

Continuing their shared love of golf, Fran and Carl held membership at the Elks Club and enjoyed many activities held there with friends. With her gracious ways and personable demeanor, Fran loved entertaining and welcomed many into their home. She was a wonderful cook. Chicken with biscuits and gravy as well as a good beef roast were among her favorites and specialties.

Traveling was a favorite pastime for Fran. They enjoyed traveling together, but after retiring, they loved spending the cold months away from the Michigan winters at Pine Island, Florida where they wintered each year. They also developed many close and dear friendships there.

Fran was a great friend. Thoughtful and always happy, and never allowed a depressed spirit to get the best of her no matter what came her way. She was never afraid to laugh at herself, and possessed a great sense of humor. Always likable, Fran was just as delightful and radiant on the inside as she was lovely on the outside. Whenever she walked into a room, it seemed to glow with her gorgeous smile and the way in which she naturally carried herself. Quite a talker, she could sit and talk for hours while many around her did most of the listening! Fran seemed to know everyone in Plainwell.

Besides raising her children and making a good home for Carl and their family where many enjoyable times were shared, Fran often liked reading romance novels. With Carl's love for the outdoors, Fran enjoyed fun filled times camping and fishing with her family. Any time her family spent together brought Fran the greatest joy. She didn't mind working in the yard, but no longer mowed the lawn after putting the tractor through the fence! Fran liked watching The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal on TV, but nothing compared to spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

It was difficult for Fran when her husband Carl passed away on March 18, 2011. With the love and support of family and friends, she was able to carry on with her usual, bright perspective. A true lady who was always willing to give of her time and talents and help whenever needed, her caring and compassionate ways shown bright in all Fran said and did. Although now gone from love's embrace, the heart of Fran Gren lives on in those who knew and loved her.

Frances "Fran" Gren, age 78, of Plainwell, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Thursday, August 28 from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will be held on Friday, August 29, 11:00 AM at the same location. Fran’s family includes her children: Curt (Laurie) Williams, Lesa (Dave) Sanchez, Jeff (Sharon) Gren and Pam Carey; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; siblings: Travis Lang, Elmer Lang Jr.; half-siblings, Brenda and Ellis as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Carl; siblings: Floyd Lang, Oliver Lang and Marie Meyers. Please visit Fran’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the American Red Cross.