MADISON - Arlis A. Francis, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on July 24, 1939, in Sparta, Wis., the daughter of Harley and Lois (Mannel) Downing.

Arlis was a graduate of Columbus High School. On 1957, she married Stephen Francis. They moved to Madison in 1961. Over the course of her life, she was a piano teacher, loved to go on car rides through the Madison area, and was a receptionist at Badger Medical. In her free time, she enjoyed playing solitaire on her phone, reading, playing piano and spending time in her four seasons room at home. One of her favorite yearly activities was taking trips to the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota the first weekend in June, when visitors were able to come closer to the mountain. Through the years, many family members accompanied her on the trips, and they even adopted a mustang in the area. Arlis also enjoyed visiting Sioux Ste. Marie and watching the ships coming in and out. She was a long-time member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ, where she loved singing in the choir.

Arlis is survived by her sons, Joseph Francis and Steve (Holly) Francis; daughter, Michelle (Jim) Mickelson; brothers, Buford (Ann) Downing, Kenneth Downing and Dennis Downing; as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen Francis; son, Tim Francis; and daughter, Peggy Francis.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Arlis Ann Francis

July 24, 1939 - July 26, 2026

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