Pauline Franz Abney

Pauline Abney, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2017. She will be greatly missed by her family. Pauline was born in Ashland, KY on October 16, 1923 to parents, Henry and Mae (Gilpin) Franz. Theirs was a large family and she had thirteen brothers and sisters: Walter, Raymond, Edward, Charles R., Riley, Elmer, Art, Marie, Florence, Edna, Dorothy, Eleanor and Geneva. In Ashland, she was preceded in death by husband, Jess Ward. Pauline married Howard Abney in 1969 and moved to Hamilton. She and Howard had 43 wonderful years together until his death on December 28, 2012. Pauline was a graduate of Morehead State University and Marshall University where she received her Master’s Degree and she continued her education at Miami University. She taught sixth grade at Hatcher School in Ashland for many years. In Hamilton, she taught sixth grade at Fillmore Elementary. She was assistant principal at Lincoln and then Jefferson before becoming principal at Pierce Elementary. She retired from Pierce in 1987. She was especially proud of Red, White and Blue Day, a big patriotic celebration that she began at Pierce. Her years there were definitely enjoyable ones. From the very beginning of her career, Pauline was a dedicated, hardworking and enthusiastic educator. Her love and talent for music was recognized when she was in high school. She played the oboe, piano and cello. She used that talent as a teacher and principal and in church programs, directing choir and hand-bell choir. The family is especially grateful to Linda Marchbanks for her unwavering dedication to Pauline’s daily care for more than two years. Thank you for keeping laughter in her life and being her trusted friend until the end. In addition, Kathy Clayton brought a special comforting touch as she cared for Pauline during the last year. Thank you for your many kindnesses, reading devotions and praying with her. Also, thank you Donna and Liz for your remarkable kindness for the excellent care you provided. Visitation will be held from 11am until 1pm on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Webb Noonan Kidd Funeral Home, 240 Ross Avenue, Hamilton. Funeral Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Orville Roach officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park.