Frances F. (Fogle) Litzinger

Frances Litzinger, age 91, died on March 19, 2014 at the Wesbury Retirement Community in Meadville, PA. Mrs. Litzinger formerly resided on Enterprise Road and at the Billie Brown Building in Titusville. She is remembered, missed and appreciated. Frances Jane Fogle was born October 7, 1922 in Pineville, Southwest Twp., Warren Co., the daughter of the late Harry E. Fogle, Sr. and Mabel Bue Fogle. She married John Clayton Litzinger on Valentine's Day, 1940 in Franklin. While serving during World War II, "Litz", as she called him until his death, often hitchhiked great distances to come home to see her. Mr. Litzinger died March 3, 2005. Fran worked for some years as a secretary and was an excellent typist -- a skill one of her sons used to his advantage when it came time to turn in college research papers. Her handwriting was a marvel well into her old age. Receiving an inscribed, signed holiday card from her was a distinct pleasure. She also bowled, sewed, swam, made ceramics, never forgot a birthday and waged a valiant struggle to keep a clean house despite the efforts of other family members to thwart her plan. Fran was a much better musician than she acknowledged, sometimes allowing herself to be coaxed into playing a tune on an organ, and instilling music appreciation (if not competence) into her two sons, whose piano practice must have been mere noise to her discerning ear. She didn't care much for music made later than about 1963, once saying it was far too loud and you couldn't understand the lyrics -- yet one of her sons regularly played Black Sabbath records in the house and she did not ask him to stop. She was especially fond of Glenn Miller. She was a member of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church where she was formerly choir director for 11 years, church deacon and taught bible school. She was a regular reader of the Old and New Testaments, preferring the latter because of its promise of salvation and its themes of kindness and compassion. Fran had a sweet tooth and was an exceptional baker. Her pies, particularly her chocolate meringue and cherry-berry, were quickly devoured by her family. She had no fear of hard work and could often be seen mowing large fields around her home in spring, summer and fall. She rarely complained about anything except, occasionally, a particularly hot and humid summer's day. Her survivors include two sons, John (Linda) Litzinger of Meadville, and Sam (Laura)Litzinger of Washington, DC; a sister, Phyllis (Nick) DeSimone; two grandchildren, Mark (Charlotte) Litzinger of Kent, OH and Mike (Sadie) Litzinger of Meadville; a great-grandson, Clayton, and a great-granddaughter, Cerese of Meadville; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael, who lived only 4 days after his birth; her brother, Harry Eugene Fogle, Jr.; and sister, Barbara. For those who knew and loved her, it can be said of Fran, as written in Luke 6:45, "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart..." No calling hours will be observed. Funeral services are private. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Pleasantville. The Litzinger family wishes to thank the people of the Billie Brown Building in Titusville, the Wesbury Retirement Community in Meadville, and Hospice of Crawford County for their kindness. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church, 155 East State Street, Pleasantville, PA 16341 or to Hospice of Crawford County, 310 North Monroe Street, Titusville, PA 16354. Arrangements are under the direction of Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home, Inc, 203 East Main Street, Titusville, PA 16354. Condolences for the family can be sent to hennes