Frances Lillian Meyer, age 73, of Burns Harbor, IN, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2005, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her dear husband of 52 years, William, two sons: William (Cheryl) Meyer of Munster, IN, Robert (Heidi) Meyer of Chesterton, IN; five daughters: Catherine Meyer (Mark Gray) of Bloomington, IN, Susan (Alan) Baughman of Porter, IN, Christine (Craig) Himes of Pompey, NY, Lynda (David Johnson), Christopher of Chesterton, IN, Laura (Darrell) Nally of Demotte, IN; twelve grandchildren; Holly McCollough, Sara (Chris) Colvard, John & Daniel Baughman, Douglas & Evan Himes, Gregory & Brianna Meyer, Martha (David) Hiestand, Michelle Christopher, Chad (Kyndra) Nally, Kevin Nally; two brothers, John Sturgeon of Greencastle, IN, and David Sturgeon of Kenton, Ohio; one sister: Marjorie Vondran of Fort Wayne, IN. Preceded in death by daughter Martha Meyer and sister Roberta Orick.

Frances was born April 22, 1932 on the family farm in Perry County, Ohio to Elbert Sturgeon and Mabel Amerine. Her stepmother was Katharine Crabill. She graduated from Bluffton High School in 1949, attended Ball State University for two years, and then taught kindergarten for one year in Kenton, Ohio. She met her husband while working summers at the Indiana Dunes State Park. They were married on June 13, 1953 in Kenton, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chesterton First United Methodist Church, 434 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton, IN with pastor Terry Rhine officiating. Burial to follow at Chesterton Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet with the family at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 South 2nd Street, Chesterton, IN from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22.

Frances led a busy and productive life as a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and tireless volunteer. In addition to supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s various activities throughout her years, she managed to find time to contribute to a wide range of community groups. First and foremost, was her church life centered around the Chesterton First United Methodist Church, where she was a member for over fifty years, a member of their Elizabeth Circle, and had served as financial secretary. Other church related positions included Calumet District vice president of United Methodist Women and president of Church Women United. Other posts held over the years in the community were vice president of the Girl Scouts Drifting Dunes Council, president of the board of directors of the Chesterton Adult Learning Center, secretary of the Duneland Historical Society, and president, secretary, rental manager and teen club organizer at the Westport Community Club. She was a past member of the Junior Woman’s Club and volunteered for the Westchester Public Library, American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Westchester Historical Museum. In recognition of her significant community contributions, she was honored as the Citizen of the Year at the 1995 Duneland Festival.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Chesterton First United Methodist Church would be appreciated. For further details you may contact White-Love Funeral Home at 525 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton, IN, (219) 926-1309.

Posted 11/21/2005