Frances Sines-Derhammer

January 13, 1917 - June 30, 2015
Plainwell, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, July 5, 2015
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, July 6, 2015
11:00 AM EDT
First Presbyterian Church
303 E Bridge St
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5990

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

ALS Association
1275 K Street NW, Suite 250
Washington DC 20005
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Plainwell Flowers
117 S. Main
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8055
Driving Directions
Web Site

River Rose
(269) 692-3951

Life Story / Obituary


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Frances Oliver Sines-Derhammer, a lifelong resident of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her sleep, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her family by her side on June 30, 2015. She was 98 years old.

Frances was born on January 13, 1917 in Allegan, Michigan, the daughter of the late George and Greta (Pinney) Oliver. After graduating from Plainwell High School, she worked as a licensed cosmetologist for several years.

Frances married Donald Sines in 1938, and they were blessed with their son, James, in 1942. Frances and Donald were happily married for over 56 years. Their son James preceded her in death in 2006.

Several years after Donald’s death, Frances became reacquainted with Ernest Derhammer, a friend who grew up one block from her. He had also lost his spouse of almost 60 years, and after a few years of courtship, they were happily married in 2004, until his death in 2011.

Frances is survived by her daughter-in-law, Judy (Lutz) Sines, grandsons Jeffrey (Jennifer) Sines, Jason Sines, and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepdaughter and devoted caregiver Barbara (Mark) Pearson, her stepdaughters and stepsons David (Joanne) Derhammer, Donald (Carol) Derhammer, Carol (Bruce) McDonald, Betty (Jim) Bieghler, Shirley (Richard) Hay, Sue Kovach, Jim (Roxanne) Derhammer, and several step-great-grandchildren. A stepson Richard Derhammer passed away in 2004.

Frances was such a strong, determined and exceptional woman. Her deep faith and love for life was without question, the foundation upon which her 98 years on this earth was built.

She was an wonderful artist and her home, as well as those of relatives and friends, reflected her talents in the beautiful paintings she had done. She was an accomplished seamstress and had organized a sewing club many years ago. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Plainwell for years, and her painting of the church hangs in their social room to this day.

Perhaps one of Frances’ most well-known qualities was that of her social skills. She loved meeting and visiting with people from all walks of life. She had been a loyal and frequent customer of the Pine Lake Diner for over 20 years. She knew almost everyone there, and if she didn’t, she would take the time to find out who you were. Upon leaving the diner, you could expect your exit to take 15 minutes or more as she addressed each and every person, asking how they were, touching them, making them laugh, making them feel important.

A celebration of Frances’ life will begin with a viewing at Life Story Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams St., Plainwell (685-5881) on Sunday, July 5 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and her funeral at First Presbyterian Church of Plainwell, 303 E. Bridge St., Plainwell (685-5990) on Monday, July 6 at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell after her funeral, followed by a luncheon in the church. Please visit www.lifestory.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, Frances requested memorial contributions to The ALS Association, American Cancer Society, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.