Frances Evelyn May

Frances Evelyn May, 79, of Marietta, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Fran, a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to others, was born in Canton, Ohio, to F.M. and Mildred Hall.

She graduated from Iberia High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor University, followed by a Master of Arts from Ball State University. While attending Spring Arbor, she met the love of her life, Barry May, on a blind date. They married in June of 1967, and built a life of service, family, and faith together.

Fran devoted her life to serving others, particularly children. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, helping to shape the minds and hearts of countless students. Her compassion extended beyond the classroom as she faithfully served in children’s ministries in every church she called home.

A gifted gardener, baker, and seamstress, Fran found joy in the simple and meaningful. She helped launch the prayer shawl ministry at Wilmore Free Methodist Church, blessing many with handmade tokens of comfort during illness and recovery.

She is survived by her son, Ryan (Denay) May of Marietta, Ohio; her daughter, Christi (Daniel) Houston of Indianapolis, Indiana; her siblings, Dave (Mary) Hall of Louisville, Kentucky, Tom (Marsha) Hall of Hustonville, Kentucky, and Cathy (Mike) Mask of Caledonia, Ohio. She leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Audrey (Adam) May Siegelin, Camden (Sophie) May, Kendal May, Sebastian Houston, and Jameson Houston.

Fran was preceded in death by her loving husband, Barry, her parents, F.M. and Mildred Hall, and her son, Alan May.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Marietta First Church of the Nazarene, 100 Mill Creek Road, Marietta, Ohio, with Pastor Kevin D’Ettorre as officiant. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the services on Friday at the church. Burial, with graveside services, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Grant Memorial Park, in Marion, Indiana.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Fran through her final journey, especially Anita White—a God-given caregiver—and the team at Cawley Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Bible Society, 101 N. Independence Mall East FL 8, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, Texas 75771, or the Marietta First Church of the Nazarene.

The MARIETTA CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME is honored to serve the May family and offers online condolences and many resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.