Frances Irene (Kesler) Tobin

Frances was born on 23 September 1932 in Condit Township, Champaign County, Illinois.

She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland, Florida, for 58 years where she used her gifts to serve in several ministries. Musically gifted, she often played the piano at Asbury Church and for their outreach ministries. She sang in the choir for most of her years there. Believing in the importance of prayer, Frances was a part of the prayer ministry. She also found joy in her visits to the homebound and nursing homes.

She attended Burnham Hospital School of Nursing in Champaign, Illinois, and graduated in 1952. Upon successfully taking the state board examinations, she became a registered nurse. Before graduating in 1952, Frances, met Richard Willis Tobin, an airman at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, at a dance sponsored by the USO to boost the morale of the airmen. In 1953, Frances married Richard who survives her. They were married almost 72 years. After marriage Frances continued working as a nurse for several years before becoming a full-time at home mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and support for her growing family who now live all around the world. The Tobin family moved from Illinois to Altamonte Springs, Florida, in 1966.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

Besides her husband she is survived by her 4 children, 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren with 4 great-grandchildren on the way. The heart of her family, Frances left a legacy of love and all are missing her dearly. She loved, supported, and encouraged each and every one of her large family so well. Over 35 years ago she wrote to one of her grandsons that "honesty, integrity, kindness, morality, compassion and pride in a job well done” were some of her deepest values. She so beautifully lived those values throughout her life.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Monday, 6 January 2025, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 220 Horatio Ave W, Maitland, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mission to the World (MTW), P.O. Box 744165, Atlanta, GA 30374-4165, Carter, Michael & Cathalain, Account 11209, grandchildren of Frances serving Jesus Christ in Japan.