Frances Kirch

Kirch, Frances M. McFARLAND / OREGON Frances Margaret Kirch, age 90, died peacefully in her home on Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. She was born on Jan. 9, 1918 in Lewistown, Mont., the daughter of Ray and Ann (Wagner) Corbett. Frances grew up in Milwaukee and Mazomanie. She attended Mazomanie High School, graduation on June 1, 1935. Frances was the last living member of her graduating class of 22. She married her high school sweetheart, George Kirch on Oct. 2, 1937. Together they raised eight children. George and Frances made their home in Madison until 1962, when the family moved to McFarland. While in McFarland, she was active in helping the kids with their school and club activities, including being a sewing leader for the McFarland 4-H Club, being active with the American Field Service (AFS) and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She loved to paint, knit and sew. Frances was a counselor at The Oregon School for Girls for many years before retirement. She was always surrounded by children. Frances was the first of seven children in her family and raise eight of her own. She was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who provided her with so much joy throughout her lifetime. Frances will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was always there for her family, whom she loved with all her heart. Frances is survived by her children, Monica (Jerry) Paffenroth, Virginia (David) Scholtz, Susan (Wayne) Thibado, Ruth (Byron) Halvorson, Margaret (Wesley) Anderson, George (Kellie) Kirch Jr., Raymond (Rebecca) Kirch and Tony (Coleen) Kirch; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat (Warren) Fisher and Rita (Jerry) Lohnis; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; brothers, Ray and James; sisters, Mary and Dorothy; and a beloved grandson, Michael McGowan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Burial will follow at St. Marys Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008. "We love you, Mom."