Frances Elizabeth (Jenkins) Pearce, age 96 from Okeana, Ohio went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 14, 2024. She was born May 17, 1928, the only daughter of Bart and Geneva Benge. She was a graduate of Hamilton High, class of 1947. At age 15 she worked summers for the B.F. Kroger family as a maid until she began working at Champion Paper Company. It was there that she met and later married Dallas (Bud) Jenkins. While at Champion she joined and was secretary for the Flying Knights flying club; becoming the first female to receive a pilot’s license and fly solo at age 29. She loved to travel and saw almost all 50 states as well as travelling to Europe. In 1974, along with her husband, she started, owned, and operated Fran’s Family Restaurant, (now Country Barrel) Jenkins Mini Mart, and Chevron gas station in Okeana, retiring in 1993. She had a passion for music and loved singing in her church choir. She was a member of The Harmonettes singing group which was the only female quartet in Hamilton, as well as the Goldenaires singing group. She loved performing at nursing homes and clubs. She was a member of Macedonia church and was active in willing workers. She was also very active in several senior citizens groups. She has left a legacy of strength to endure the toughest of storms with grace, dignity and a heart that forgives as well as a zeal and passion for life and adventure. Of all the things she experienced in life, what brought her the greatest joy was spending time with her family and many many friends she made over the years. 

She is survived by daughters, Ginger Calhoun and GiGi (Tim) Day; brother, Denny (Ruthann) Benge of Stowe, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Dallas (Bud) Jenkins; daughters, Sheryl Jenkins and Cynthia Webb; grandson, Benjamin Webb; great granddaughter, Lauren Jane Hunt; great grandson, Gabriel Webb; and brothers, Don (Teen) Benge, Bob (Sue) Benge, Edward (Mary) Benge, and Harold Benge.

Visitation will be held at Charles C. Young Funeral Home, 4032 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross, OH on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral at 12 noon. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery in Shandon. Memorials may be sent to Macedonia Church, P.O. Box 147, Okeana, Ohio 45053. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Cincinnati with special thanks to Pam, Priscilla, Kim, Christy Wesselman and Pastor Glenn Perry. Online condolences at www.charlesyoungfuneralhome.com.