Kathryn Irene Francois, age 94, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 2:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Heritage Woods in Centralia, Illinois.  She was born on August 14, 1926, in Niantic, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Helen M. (Embry) Tippit.  She married Dean E. Francois, Sr., on March 29, 1944, at Saint Mary’s Church Rectory in Centralia, Illinois and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2011.

Mrs. Francois is survived by her devoted and loving children, Dean E. Francois, Jr. and wife (Susie) of Centralia, Illinois, Mike R. Francois and wife Sue of Walnut Hill, Illinois, Patricia A. Pettit and husband Bill of Champaign, Illinois and Alice M. Krupp and husband Dennis of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Joshua Francois, Jacob Francois, Benjamin Francois, James Francois and wife Lisa, Joe Francois and wife Tracy, Julie Fruendt and husband  Kevan, Angela Prosise and husband Larry Smith, Michael Prosise and wife Katie, Sarah Mahle and husband Galen and Adam Krupp and wife Aleshia; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Francois of Centralia, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her loving husband of 66 years, Dean E. Francois, Sr., Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Fred Tippit and Carl Tippit.

Mrs. Francois was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois, where she was a member of the Altar Society.  She was a former member and officer of Catholic Daughters of America in Centralia, Illinois.  She truly enjoyed fishing. She liked to play cards and dominos.  Mrs. Francois was a member of the Square Dance Club in Carlyle, Illinois, with her husband for over 20 years.  Kathryn and Dean visited all 50 states, as well as Mexico and Canada.  Mrs. Francois was an outstanding seamstress.  She made her daughter’s, Alice and Pat, and her daughter-in-law’s, Susie, wedding dresses, along with their attendant’s bridesmaid’s dresses.  She cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Francois was a Housewife and Homemaker.  She lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1936. She was born and raised in Niantic, Illinois and also lived with her parents in Chicago, Illinois for a short time.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Kathryn Irene Francois will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois at a later date.  Private Family Graveside Services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Francois’ honor to the St. Mary School in Centralia, Illinois or St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Francois’ family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home’s Facebook page.