Frances Marie (Griffitts) Killius

Frances Marie Killius, 87, peacefully passed on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House.

She was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 23, 1928 to Marion and Elizabeth Stafford Griffitts.

While growing up she lived in many different cities and attended many schools. She graduated from South High School in January 1946, and attended Youngstown College for one year.

She married Walter A. Killius on August 27, 1947 and was married to him for 55 years until his death in 2002.

Frances loved to knit and sew and was a long time employee of the Singer Co. both at the downtown and Southern Park Mall stores.

Frances served as president of the PTO both at Lincoln High School and East High School while her sons were in attendance. She was a Sunday School teacher and past Deacon at the former Brownlee Woods Presbyterian Church as well as a member of their sewing group. Later as an active member of Heritage Presbyterian Church, she spent many hours doing volunteer work and greatly enjoyed the company of her church friends.

Frances was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by many. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, enjoyed CSI TV shows and adored cats. Through the years, her cats Mr. Fluff, Rusty, Midnight, and Streak provided her much enjoyment.

She is survived by her sons, Drew R. (Beverly) Killius of Hudson, NH and David L. (Jeanette) Killius of Kent, OH; and her granddaughter, Jennifer L. (Jon) Kostesich of Baltimore, MD.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, 11: 00 a.m. at the Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1951 Mathews Rd., Poland, with Rev. Kristin Stroble officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman.

Family and friends will be received Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church, prior to the service.

Frances's family requests that any gifts please take the form of donations to the West Side Cats, 2217 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509; or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.