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Zanesville High School

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Grace E. Wilson France Obituary

Graduation Year Class of 1944
Date of Passing Oct 29, 2020
About Grace Ellen France passed peacefully at the home of her daughter, Sheila, on October 29, 2020, in Rockledge, Florida. She was a longtime resident of Zanesville, Ohio and had been living with her daughter in Florida for many years.

Grace is survived by her nine children Edward (Donna) L. France of Gahanna, Ohio, Ellen (Timothy Ross, Jr.) L. Heritage-Ross of Davenport, Iowa, John (Ratchnee) E. France of Rice, Texas, Timothy (Daphne) L. France of Coshocton, Ohio, James (Lisa) A. France of Gahanna, Ohio, Phillip (Lauren) L. France of Zanesville, Ohio, Lloyd (Erin) V. France of Zanesville, Ohio, Susan (Dean) E. Zimmer of Marietta, Ohio, and Sheila (Don) R. Burkhardt of Rockledge, Florida. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13+ great-grandchildren, and a brother Ronald Wilson.

Born Grace Ellen Wilson on July 2, 1926 to parents Victor and Verna (Corbin) Wilson. She was raised on her family’s dairy farm in Zanesville and was the oldest of six children. Preceded her in death are her siblings David, Clyde, Ruth, Fred, and adopted siblings Bradley, and Elsie.

On June 18, 1950, Grace married Ray E. France at St. Luke American Lutheran Church in Zanesville, Ohio. After raising her nine children to school age, she herself returned to school earning a teaching degree from Ohio University. She taught elementary school for the Zanesville City School system for 14 years until her retirement in 1986.

Grace is remembered for her positive work ethic and generosity, lending her time to volunteer efforts. She enjoyed working in service to her church as the Sunday school director at St. Luke. She also served her community as part of the inaugural call center for the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department and assisted with the various fund raising activities of the department. She spent several years assisting families in the genealogy room at the John McIntire Library.

Grace will be missed, and remembered, for the multitude of quilts that were lovingly stitched and distributed to her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the France family wishes for those that knew Grace to have their own private memorial dinner surrounded by your loved ones. Say a few kind words, and enjoy your family.
Grace E. Wilson France