Frances M. Spahlinger (Fran) age100 of Lake Milton passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday night Jan 15, 2025 at the Hospice House in Poland. She was born on March 14, 1924 in Warren, OH the daughter of the late Walter C. Gintert and Clara (Clark) Gintert.  Fran married the love of her life and high school class mate, Merrill H. Spahlinger on June 30, 1944, and they have enjoyed the past 79 years of marriage together until he passed away on Sept, 14, 2023. They have lived in Lake Milton since 1979, formerly of Braceville. Fran graduated from Braceville High School in the Class of 1942. She then went on to graduate from Kent State University and received her dual certification degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  Fran was an elementary teacher for Braceville  School for 8 years, and a teacher of developmentally handicapped students at  Fairhaven Schools in Niles for 12 years. She was a member of the Braceville United Methodist Church where she was one of the piano players for church, funerals and weddings.  She also was a member of  Lake Milton American Legion Post # 737 and a life member of the VFW in Ellsworth, OH.  Fran enjoyed, bowling swimming, golfing in her leagues, traveling, fishing, water skiing, camping, and cruises. She also volunteered her time at Squaw Creek and Avalon Country Club for the LPGA golf tournament .  Fran was a member of the Sweet Adeline's  singing in the choir and quartet . Her philosophy of life was "It's not the years of your life--It's the life in those years!" We are blessed with wonderful family and friends.  For 30+ years they spent their winters at their home in a retirement park in LaBelle, FL.  She continued her piano playing for ladies chorus, sing-a-longs, weddings and funerals.  Music has and still is a big part of their entire family.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, her husband Merrill, 1 daughter: Marilyn Liber, 2 sisters: Donna Lee Clifford, Kathryn Roberts, and 2 brothers: Harold & Lloyd Gintert.

She is survived by:  2 sons: Ronald (Barbara) Spahlinger of Mabank, TX, Rick (Rita) Spahlinger of Lake Milton , OH, son-in-law Loyd Liber of Newton Falls; 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren,  2 great great grandchildren, and 1 more on the way.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date and time. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Merrill at Braceville Cemetery. The family has requested that all donations please be made to the Milton Township Fire Department 15980 Milton Ave. Lake Milton, OH 44429 in her memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.  Family and friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com