Frances Lucille Blackwell

Frances was born on December 1, 1935, to Harold and Elizabeth Fern Griffey. She was the firstborn daughter of three sisters, Lois Griffey Ross and Rosalee Griffey Bailey.

On December 26, 1953, Frances married the love of her life, Howard Blackwell. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family. They lived in Carmel, Indiana, for many years, where they raised their four children: Kathleen, Kristyne, Kevin, and Kraig. Their family continued to grow, bringing Frances the joy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

In the early 2000s, Frances and Howard moved to Southwest Florida, beginning a new chapter of their life together. Howard preceded Frances in death in 2020, and their son Kevin also preceded her in death.

To her grandchildren, Frances was much more than a grandmother—she was a best friend. They describe her as the epitome of a loving grandma: someone they could talk to about anything, knowing they would never be judged. She had a special gift for making each person feel heard, valued, and loved. Every grandchild felt as though they were the most important person in the world when they were with Grandma.

Frances had a lifelong love of gardening. Her flower garden was a source of great joy, and she could often be found tending to her flowers. In a beautiful reflection of the way she lived her life, Frances was still in her garden less than one week before her passing.

Her love extended far beyond her own family. Frances had a deep compassion for those who were struggling and believed strongly in helping people in need. Alongside her daughter, she helped establish a free food pantry for those in the community who needed a helping hand. Frances believed in both mercy and justice, and she lived those principles by treating others with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

Frances spent 90 years building a legacy of love. She nurtured her family, cultivated beauty in her garden, opened her heart and home to others, and taught those around her the importance of compassion. Her greatest legacy will live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were blessed to call her Grandma.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Kathleen and Kristyne, her son Kraig, and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

There will be no public services. At a later date, when the family can gather together, her loved ones will come together to celebrate her life and the remarkable woman she was.

Frances will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Her garden may one day grow quiet, but the love she planted in the hearts of her family will continue to grow for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by helping someone in need. A donation to your local food pantry in her name would be a meaningful way to remember her. Donations may also be made to Rosemary & Rye Little Food Pantry through their Amazon wish list.

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