Francis P. Gerstenslager

Francis Pauline (Bogard) Gerstenslager, age 83, of Mantua, Ohio joined our Lord on May 8, 2023. Francis was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Bogard, mother, Pauline (Deaton) Bogard, her 6 brothers, Paul, Wayne, Clyde, Harry, Don, and Ray Bogard, her sister, Waneta (Bogard) Beagle, and grandson, Nicholas Howard. Francis is survived by her loving husband, Gerald Gerstenslager, her children: John Gerstenslager, Terry Twyman, Elizabeth (Chuck) Flerchinger, Jerry (Lindsi) Gerstenslager, Dawnett Howard and grandchildren: Jeremiah, Joshua, John Alyx, Cori, Chelsea, Jay, Eric, Kegan, Colwyn, Sylvana, Xavier, Kolbee, Emilee, Edee, Ryker, 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Fran was born on February 19, 1940 in Friendly, WV. She moved to Ohio in 1942 with her family where she lived in Peninsula. At 16 Francis fell in love with her loving husband with whom she had many life adventures including skydiving, fishing, camping, vacationing and traveling while Gerald was in the service, including living in Hawaii for 3 years. Francis was a loving wife, mother, and grandma. Spending time with her children and grandchildren were her biggest joys. She loved going out to her favorite restaurants, watching movies and everything family. For many years Fran was a bus driver for Crestwood School District. Fran would talk about how much she enjoyed the children and how she felt it was important to say good morning with a smile everyday to each child. She hoped it helped set the tone for them the rest of the day. Fran would recall times when the children would razz her, make her laugh, challenge her and give her gifts, which made her feel like she made a connection and a difference in their lives. Fran lived life to the fullest whether it was relaxing in warm weather while on the beach, listening to the ocean, watching the fishing boats and dolphins or dancing to her favorite music. She also enjoyed fashion, especially when it came to shoes, so many shoes! As she got older she enjoyed feeding the birds and watching them outside her kitchen window. She also collected butterflies. Calling hours will be Thursday, May 18, 2023, at The Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Additional calling hours will be on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Watters Funeral Home, St. Rt. 78, Woodsfield, Ohio, 43793, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., where her funeral service will then begin at 1:00 P.M. Francis will then be eternally laid to rest in Woodsfield, Ohio.

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