Frances Middaugh

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Frances Nanette Middaugh (Derickson), affectionately known as Fran, who left us on May 31, 2024, at the age of 72. Fran’s life was tragically cut short in a bus vehicle crash in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, a place she cherished deeply and where she spent her final moments surrounded by the nature she loved.

Born in 1952 to Robert and Pearl Derickson (McDuffie) in Hamilton, Ohio, Fran grew up outside of Oxford, Ohio. As one of six siblings – Edward, Mike, Barbara, Cathy, and her twin sister Marie – Fran’s early years were filled with the values of hard work, family, and resilience.

In 1976, Fran married Michael Middaugh. Their 47-year marriage was built on love, patience, trust, hard work, and a shared passion for their two children, Katie Middaugh Staudt and Michael Benjamin Middaugh.

Fran was a proud graduate of Talawanda High School in 1970. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1975 and later completed her master’s degree from Ashland University in 2004. One of her most significant accomplishments was achieving her National Board Certification, a testament to her dedication to education and lifelong learning.

As a passionate educator, Fran’s career spanned several states, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. She spent more than 25 years teaching in the Worthington School District, where she was known for her unwavering commitment to her students. To Fran, teaching was never just a job; it was a calling. As an early supporter of neurodiversity awareness, her educational work in the field helped make meaningful impacts for families with special needs children. She worked tirelessly, seven days a week, believing deeply in the potential of every one of the 1,000+ children she taught over a decorated career.

Fran’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her beloved children, Katie (Preston) Staudt and Michael Benjamin (Kelly) Middaugh, and her cherished grandchildren, Liam, Lyla, Olivia, and Lennox. She was a dedicated grandmother, often traveling to Europe and Australia to visit and support her family.

In addition to her family and teaching, Fran had a passion for traveling, crocheting, and puzzles. But simply, Fran was always in motion. Her dedication to friends and family, along with her willingness to travel and spend quality time with loved ones, made her a truly special person. She had an ability and a focus to make friends in every interaction of her life.

Predeceased by her parents, Robert and Pearl, Fran leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. She will be dearly missed by her husband Michael, her children, grandchildren, siblings, and the many friends and family members whose lives were enriched by her presence.

A celebration of life service for Fran will be held July 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow until 3:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017. As we gather to honor her memory, we will remember the warmth, kindness, and passion that defined her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations are accepted to the Glut1 deficiency foundation, a neuro metabolic disorder Fran’s granddaughter, Lyla Staudt, lives with https://www.g1dfoundation.org/donate/.