Frances "Frankie" Baughman

Frances Marie Baughman, 94, of Harlan passed away Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 at the Cedars of Leo. 

Frankie was born in Allen County, IN a daughter of the late William & Bessie Victoria (Gold) Schaefer.

She thoroughly enjoyed her family, gardening, game shows, the Hoosiers and the Cubs.

She will be sadly missed by her children; Paul (Patricia) Baughman, June Beverly & Nancy (John) Firth; grandchildren, Angie Clevenger, Chris (Angie), Mark (Tina) & Laura Baughman, Jason (Kelly), Heather & Eric (Stacie) Beverly, Jodi (Scott) Huerter & John (Brenda) Firth IV and 19 great grandchildren.

Frankie was also preceded in death by her husband, Levi Paul Baughman, whom she married June 16, 1942;  siblings,  Mary & Helen, Ernest, William, Jr, & Donald Schaefer, Florence "Shorty" Baughman, Anna Cook & Mabel Bradley.

Frankie's funeral Service is Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 10 am with viewing 9 - 9:45 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,  18330 IN-37, Harlan, IN. 

Viewing is also Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018,  2 - 8 pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,  18330 IN-37, Harlan, IN. 

She will be laid to rest in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan.

Memorials are to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 18330 IN-37, Harlan, IN 46743.

Fond memories may be shared at  www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

FRANKIE'S LIFE STORY

Frances “Frankie” Baughman was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was born on April 25, 1924, to William and Bessie Victoria (Gold) Schaefer. Her father was a farmer and her mother a homemaker. She was a country girl at heart and helped on the farm milking cows and her mother in the kitchen baking and cooking. She loved nature and the outdoors. She never shied away from hard work or physical labor.

Frankie and her future husband, Levi Paul Baughman, were neighbors. They began courting and were married on June 16, 1942. They had common interests and enjoyed one another’s company. Back in those days no one ever traveled far from home which resulted in two of Frankie’s siblings marrying two of Levi’s siblings. This produced a number of “double cousins” and a large supportive family that were usually at one house or another for Sunday dinners and time spent together.

Frankie and Levi were blessed with three wonderful children who shared many happy memories over the years. As a family they treasured spending time at their lake cottage on Big Turkey Lake in Stroh, Indiana. Many of their vacations centered around fishing which always included aunts, uncles and cousins.

Frankie worked outside the home in various jobs including the school cafeteria in Harlan, Indiana, processing chickens at Shaw’s Poultry and working at the Amish grocery. She and Levi mowed lawns at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and the Harlan Park. During Harlan Days every year they cleaned and maintained the public restrooms. They could be found sitting on the bench at the side of the building visiting with family and friends.

Frankie loved babies and would swaddle them in their blankets and hold them close to her heart. She was a second mother to many children and even took some into her home when there was a need. She always had time for kids and especially her grandchildren. If one was at grandma’s she usually had all 9 of them. They would throw blankets and feather ticks on the living room floor and have a big sleepover. Grandpa Levi always supplied the popcorn.

Frankie had many varied interests but she mostly loved people. She was a prolific letter writer and had many pen pals. She wrote letters daily, some close to home and others as far away as California. She always wrote to her grandchildren who were away at college or other family members away from home. She loved sending greeting cards and never forgot a birthday or special occasion.

Frankie loved playing cards and especially her favorite dice game. She had an uncanny knack for winning most of the time. She loved to go gambling and she and her sisters made trips to Atlantic City and the casino in Michigan. Locally she loved playing the cherry master machines. It was a sad day for her when they became illegal in Indiana. She was a huge fan of the IU basketball team. She loved watching their games on TV, but would not stay up late enough to see the whole game if they were losing. She also loved watching the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

First and foremost Frankie loved her family. Nothing made her happier than cooking a big meal for her family and everyone was usually at grandma’s on holidays and special occasions. Grandma Frankie was strong-willed and feisty but unconditionally loved by her entire family. She will leave a hole in the hearts and lives of all who knew her and she leaves everyone with stories and wonderful memories to share for years to come.

Frances “Frankie” Baughman, 94, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at The Cedars in Leo, Indiana. She is survived by her children Paul (Patricia) Baughman, June Beverly and Nancy (John) Firth; grandchildren Angie Clevenger, Chris (Angie), Mark (Tina) and Laura Baughman, Jason (Kelly), Heather and Eric (Staci) Beverly, Jodi (Scott) Huerter, John (Brenda) Firth and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Levi Paul Baughman and siblings Ernest, William, Jr. and Donald Schaefer, Florence (Shorty) Baughman, Anna Cook and Mabel Bradley and infant sisters Mary and Helen.

Frankie’s funeral service will be Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. with viewing on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, from 2 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 18330 State Road 37, Harlan, Indiana. She will be laid to rest in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan. Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com