Frances ‘Fran’ Ferencz Skira – Tipp City, Ohio
Frances “Fran” Ferencz Skira, 74, of Tipp City, Ohio, left this world and walked into the loving arms of our Lord at her residence on March 22, 2023. Fran was born on Feb. 25, 1949, in North Charleroi, Pa., the younger of twin daughters born to Kathryn Drop Ferencz and Andrew Ferencz. Her birth was a complete surprise to the doctors, nurses and especially to her parents, but not to her big sister, Sue, as they had known each other for a good eight months by then. Fran grew up in Monessen and graduated in 1967 from Monessen High School, where she served on student council and was the editor of the MHS yearbook her senior year. Fran graduated in 1970 from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in elementary education. She earned a master’s degree in education in 1976 from Duquesne University. Fran taught kindergarten for 35 years — 25 of those years in Peters Township, Pa., and 10 years in Piqua, Ohio. 1992 turned out to be a momentous year for Fran and her future husband, Charles Skira, when they became reacquainted at their 25th high school reunion. A five-year courtship ensued, and they were married in June of 1997. What followed turned out to be the best 25 years of their lives. Her husband dragged her to the ski slopes (only one time), horseback riding (only one time) and onto the golf course (many times). He soon discovered that Fran was not an outdoorsy person, but preferred shopping followed by dinner at a nice restaurant and maybe a movie. She did enjoy traveling and together they visited Italy twice, Ireland once, Nevis in the Caribbean, Alaska and many other locations and national parks in the United States. Fran loved traveling, card making, baking, cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. Fran was a devout Catholic and was very involved at her church, St. John the Baptist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, where she was a eucharistic minister and served on numerous committees and ministries. She also volunteered at the Clothesline in Tipp City. Fran is survived by her husband, Charles of Tipp City, Ohio; her sister, Susan Burdick of Grove City, Pa.; her daughter, Elizabeth Appel of Pittsburgh; her sons, Aaron Skira of Lebanon, Ohio, Matthew Skira of Dayton, Ohio, and Charley Skira of Huber Heights, Ohio; daughter, Amy Skira (Crystal Skira); and grandson Vincent of Columbus, Ohio; brother and sister-in-law, James and Shirley Russell of Monessen; niece, Rozalyn Russell of Aliquippa; nephews, Greg Burdick (Toi Burdick) of Auburndale, Fla.; Seth Burdick of Grove City, Pa.; and great-niece, Miranda Burdick of Duenweg, Mo. Fran was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Kathryn Ferencz; her father and mother-in-law, Charles and Sophie Skira; brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Burdick; and niece, Roxanne Russell. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, Pa. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John XXIII Parish, St Benedict the Abbot Church, 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, PA 15317, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Arrangements entrusted to FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution either to St. Vincent de Paul of Dayton, Ohio, Hospice of Miami County or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City.
