Frances Mae Fitzmartin, age 95, formerly of Kettering, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton on November 23, 2018 after a brief illness. She was born May 12, 1923 on a farm in the lush green rolling hills of Nicholas County, Kentucky, the seventh of eight children of Arch and Anna Crawford (Payne), all of whom were dearly loved by her and all of whom precede her in death. Also preceding her in death is her beloved husband of 58 years, John Thomas Fitzmartin, whom she met and married while both worked at the Standard Register Company. She is survived by her daughter Barbara Zappe of Oakwood, stepson Thomas Fitzmartin of Canisteo, New York, grandchildren, Lori Zappe of Kettering, Dana Zappe of West Carrolton, David Zappe of West Carrollton, Helen Ratliff of Dayton, Laura Quick of Canisteo, New York, and Patrick Fitzmartin of Texas. Also surviving are many special nieces and nephews in Dayton and Carlisle, Kentucky. Frances worked many years as a sales associate at Rike’s Department Store before retiring in 2000 to spend more time with her husband John. Frances will be remembered for her easy laugh, her divine patience, and her love for her late faithful companion, Benji. She was a friend to all, a good neighbor, and a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else.
