BOURBON – Frances M. Lemler, 94, Bourbon, passed away Sept. 5, 2016, in Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson. She was born May 29, 1922, in Odebolt, Iowa, the daughter of Frank P. and Vandella Whitson Smith. She met her future husband, Wayne A. Lemler, while she was working at Morgan’s. He was guarding German POWs who worked at the “Mater Mill.” They were married Oct. 20, 1945, and moved into civilization at Bourbon and started Lemler Oil Company in January 1946. He preceded her in death. After her mother died when she was 6 years old, she moved to Indiana, where she lived with different aunts in Greencastle, Indianapolis and Austin. She graduated valedictorian of Austin High School in 1940 and continued her education in business school in Louisville, then returned to Austin and worked for I.C. Morgan canning factory. Frances was very active in the Bourbon First United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Rebecca Lodge and IMBZ Club, and was a room mother several times for Kathy and Larry and helped make floats for the Bourbon fair. She also served as the town clerk/treasurer, sold real estate for Larry Nellans and worked for American Dream Tours in Plymouth. She also volunteered at Marshall County Historical Society; and she traveled all 50 of the United States, Australia, Oberammergau, Germany, and Israel. She also wintered in Florida for several years. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (and spouse Alan) Blackwell, Carmel; a son, Larry (and spouse Donna) Lemler, Bourbon; grandchildren: Julie (and spouse Phil) Fowler, Chris (and spouse Meaghan) Blackwell, Matthew Lemler, Brian (and spouse Amanda) Lemler and Jason (and spouse Lisa) Lemler; four great-grandchildren: Emma and Jordan Fowler and Addison and Jackson Lemler; special nieces: Elaine Whitfield and Betty Vance; and sister-in-law Mary Jane Smith. She also was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ralph Smith; and special nephew, Allen Pratt. The family would like to especially thank caregiver Mindi Williams, who has become a special part of our family the past five years. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Bourbon First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Bonnie Shoaf and Pastor Rob Seewold officiating. Calling is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, and from 10 a.m. Monday until services at the church. ***** Memorials to Bourbon First United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left at deatonclemensfh.com.
