Lois J. Franz, 87 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 4:03 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center located in Decatur. Lois was born on Tuesday, February 9, 1926 in Adams County, Indiana the daughter of the late Simon A. Lehrman and the late Frances E. (Emenhiser) Lehrman. She married the late Arthur E. Franz on June 4, 1949 in East Liberty United Methodist Church, rural Monroeville, Indiana and he passed away on March 29, 1989. Lois was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur, IN; a member of the Live & Learn Home Economics Club. In addition to spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Lois enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and spinning and weaving and she would submit her crafts in local festivals and the UAW Region 3 Retirees Hobby Show, where she won several ribbons. She also enjoyed growing African Violets. Lois was a homemaker. Prior to starting her family, Lois was employed at International Harvestor, Ft. Wayne. She also volunteered her time by serving on the Adams County Election Board for over 30 years. Surviving are her son, Lynn (Patsy) Franz of Decatur, IN; daughter, Dianne (Gary) Miller of Lafayette, IN; son, Wayne (Denise) Franz of Decatur, IN; son, Dale (JoAnna) Franz of Plant City, FL; son, Arlen (companion Jennifer Yeager) Franz of Decatur, IN; sister, Florence Shady of Decatur, IN; 8 grandchildren: Bridget (Jay) Whittaker; Matthew (Christy) Franz; Michael (Mandy) Franz; Wayne (Jessica) Miller; Melissa (Cary) Arner; Kay (Josh) Perry; Kevin Franz; Samantha Franz; 2 step-grandchildren: Brittany Weiland; Bryan Weiland (fianc Courtney Williamson); 9 great-grandchildren: Makayla, Shelby, & Jaden Franz; Makenzy, & Reed Miller; Gavin & Claire Arner; Jadyn Whittaker; Joey Franz; 4 step-great-grandchildren: Heather Whittaker; Carson, Hayden, & Chace Weiland. Preceding Lois in death were 1 son, Gayle Franz; 3 brothers, Harold, Carl, & Glen Lehrman. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2013 in the Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Phil Phifer, officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Indiana. Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2013 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, IN and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church-Decatur.
