Frances M. Spahlinger 1924-2025

She was born March 14, 1924, in Warren, the daughter of the late Walter C. Gintert and Clara Clark Gintert.

Fran married the love of her life and high school classmate, Merrill H. Spahlinger, on June 30, 1944. They enjoyed 79 years of marriage until Merrill passed away, Sept, 14, 2023. They had lived in Lake Milton since 1979 and were 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 in the Braceville Schools for eight years and a teacher of developmentally handicapped students at Fairhaven Schools in Niles for 12 years.

She was a member of 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.

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 clubs for the LPGA golf tournament. Fran was a member of the Sweet Adelines, singing in the choir and in a quartet.

Her philosophy of life was “It’s not the years of your life — it’s the life in those years!”

She was blessed with wonderful family and friends. For 30-plus years, Fran and Merrill spent their winters at their home in a retirement park in LaBelle, Florida. She continued her piano playing for ladies chorus, sing-a-longs, weddings and funerals. Music played, and still does play, a big part in the life of the entire Spahlinger family.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merrill; one daughter, Marilyn Liber; two sisters, Donna Lee Clifford and Kathryn Roberts; and two brothers, Harold and Lloyd Gintert.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald (Barbara) Spahlinger of Mabank, Texas, and Rick (Rita) Spahlinger of Lake Milton; son-in-law, Loyd Liber of Newton Falls; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and one 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 in 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 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

(special notice)