1934 – 2015

WINSLOW — Frances “Fran” (Keene) Hale, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 11, in the presence of family.

She was born in Lewiston on Aug. 11, 1934, the daughter of Clyde Keene Jr. and Helen (Smith) Tilton and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1953.

Fran was raised on an apple farm in Buckfield and owned or worked on dairy farms with her husband for more than 50 years. She was an active member of the Farm Bureau, in which she served in many roles for more than 40 years, including being president and a member of the county board of directors. Fran was active in Maine Farm Days, serving as president for several years.

Fran was also a member of the Rebekahs and the Grange. In addition to her love of agriculture, Fran enjoyed cooking massive quantities of treats for her family, school events and meetings of the various organizations she participated in.

Fran was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Worden Hale, originally of Bellows Falls, Vt.; and her parents.

She is survived by her brother, Virgil Tilton of Buckfield; her sisters, Rossie (Tilton) Kyllonen of Buckfield and Nancy Bird of Plymouth, N.H.; her five children, Clyde, Curtis, Eileen, George and Gregory; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com