Francie Simrak

Tuesday, July 8, Francie Simrak’s journey came to an end after 77 years.

June 5, 1948, Lima, OH – July 8, 2025, Souderton, PA

53 years ago, she made a bold and fateful decision to follow the lead of Sadie Hawkins. According to legend, Sadie turned tradition upside down – with the gal taking the lead, proposing marriage.

“Can we get married?” A simple question forced the issue. “OK” was the response.

In three weeks, there was a wedding celebration in her parents’ driveway. At the end, Francie and Bob were off to a new frontier – Nebraska.

The fruit of that decision was three children and seven grandchildren – the center of her life.

Chris Simrak (Michelle), Stacey Hill (Matt), and Dan Simrak (Geniene) – Garrick, Braden, Ali, Jessie, Eli, Gabe and Cohen

Early marriage was hard. As an RN, she served in both psychiatric and orthopedic nursing roles. Her education took place at Lima Central Catholic High School (66) and St. Rita’s School of Nursing (68).

Chris and Stacey were born in Omaha, NE. She was a young mother, a nurse, while working in the family business, “The Bike Rack.” I don’t know how she did it.

Ultimately, the draw of family pulled Francie and her tribe to Lima, OH. This gave the kids the opportunity to get to know their grandparents and cousins. Lots of cousins. Dan was born there.

The joy of grandparents Joe and Josephine Martino. Siblings: Judy, Pam, Karen, and baby Joe Jr.

Lima brought Ruth Turner into Francie’s life. A young mother searching for truth came to know Jesus through Ruth’s Bible study, forming lifelong friendships with other young moms in the group.

Lima also led to a life of supporting Bob in his career serving non-profit ministries. Without her physical and financial support, our service to others wouldn’t have happened.

Oh! How she loved the shore. She took every opportunity to get in the water.

In her spare time, she knitted hand towels. She must have made hundreds over the years.

And she painted. And she sewed. And she put others ahead of herself.

One of her favorite works is a prison outreach to women, “Abounding Grace Ministry” in Rutherfordton, NC. Kriss Landry mixes love and grit to bear fruit in a tough environment. Turning hundreds of lives around. A big impact on a shoestring.

How Francie showed the Love of God! She was always ready to answer the question, “What makes you different?” “You treat me with respect – why?”

Francie’s is a life well-lived!

Three score and ten (70) years was the sweet spot for her life. The last years were challenging. Yet she enjoyed the gift of old age.

Well done – you good and faithful servant!

Francie’s Celebration of Life & Memorial Service will be on Sunday, July 20 at her home in Souderton, PA. Visitation 11:30 am, Service 2:00 pm (Dress code is Informal)

In place of flowers, gifts in Francie's Memory can be sent to "Abounding Grace Ministry" 222 Charlotte Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Questions can be sent to Stacey Hill @ LoveBullwinkle@gmail.com, as well as information regarding lodging for out-of-town guests.