ROCHESTER — Frances James Miller, 80, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 4:12 a.m. Nov. 17, 2012, at Logansport Memorial Hospital, Logansport.

Frances was born Sept. 19, 1932, in Salyersville, Ky., the loving daughter of Ottis and Revia Arnett Bailey. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Versie and Lonia, and four brothers, Junior, Claude, Jason and Austin.

On April 13, 1950, in Rensselear, Frances and Lawrence E. James were married. Together they brought into the world four wonderful children, Barbara, Cheryl, Carolyn and Larry. Over the years, the family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Frances was a loyal and devoted member of Safe Harbor Church. She was also a member of the Eagles and VFW ladies auxiliaries, and the Nyona-South Mud Lake Association. Many of these clubs she practiced her skills of bingo, euchre and dimes. Some will remember her as one of the queen pins at the bowling alley in Logansport.

An extraordinary baker, Frances is best remembered for her delectable pie creations. Always made with perfection, no recipe with a pinch of this and a dash of that, Grandma baked apple, lemon meringue, sugar cream, coconut cream and chocolate cream pies to satisfy even the most discriminating taste. At the holidays and special family celebrations, Frances was at home like a busy bee preparing favored dishes like crispy fried chicken or homemade chicken and ultra thin noodles. Her biscuits and creamy gravy was the best!

As the matriarch of four generations, Grandma Frances was always in the thick of things when it came to the grandchildren. As their number one cheerleader, she could be cheering wildly for the James men of the mats, courtside for the Easterday kids’ basketball games, the ball diamonds and school music programs. She also had great affections for the Rochester High School Life Skills Class, of which she was a big supporter and frequent visitor.

Frances is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Barbara Foster and husband, Steve, Rochester, Carolyn Marquart and husband, Rex, New Paris, and Cheryl Jennings and husband, Brian, Plymouth; a son, Larry James and wife, Mary, of Kewanna; 11 grandchildren, Steven Jr. and Dustin Foster, Jason and Tracy Shafer, Marli Marquart Didaleuski, Jenna Ruff, Brent Easterday, Alexis Jennings, Shannon, Garrett and Branden James; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Versie Miller, of Nyona Lake; three brothers, Elwood “Junior” Bailey and wife, Jane, of Monticello, Claude Bailey and wife, Rita, of Logansport, and Jason Bailey and wife, Lois, of DeMotte.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Lawrence, on May 31, 2007; a great-granddaughter, Adelyn Marie Foster; a sister, Lonie Miller; and a brother, Austin Bailey.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Good Family Funeral Home. Pastor Daniel Davidson will officiate.  

Friends may visit with her family from 4 to 8 p.m. today and an hour prior to her services Wednesday at the funeral home.  

Memorials may be made to the Rochester High School Life Skills Class or the Safe Harbor Church.   

You may wish to sign her guest book or light a candle to honor her memory at www.goodfamilyfh.com.