Lois S. Minnigh

Lois Spackman Minnigh, 100, of Jamestown, NY, formerly of Franklin, passed away on June 21, 2017, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Jamestown, NY.

Lois was born in Clearfield, PA, on May 9, 1917 to the late William Earl and Mary E. Kissell Spackman.

Lois was a 1935 graduate of Franklin High school, owned a small dress shop in downtown Franklin, and worked at First United Methodist Church as a Christian Educator. She was a member of the United Methodist Women's Club and served as the president of the local club, district conference, and the Northeastern Jurisdiction Office.

She was a trustee of the Wesley Woods Conference Camp, served as the president and on the board of directors for the Venango County Historical Society, and served as the executive director of the Teen Program for the Oil City YMCA. She was awarded Woman of the Year in 1985 by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. She was most recently employed by Joy Manufacturing, having retired in 1982.

Lois married her beloved husband, Adam D. Minnigh, on June 13, 1936; he preceded her in death on December 1, 2003. Lois and Adam enjoyed their extensive civic and volunteer work, both in Franklin and at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. They founded Destination Franklin tourism efforts, raised funds to restore the copper dome of the Franklin First United Methodist Church, raised funds to restore the United Methodist denominational house at Chautauqua, and supported many other efforts related to historic preservation. One of Lois' proudest moments was being selected as the honoree for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, Class of 1999. The class selected the motto, "Greatness in Ordinary People," to celebrate her long, dedicated service to the CLSC.

Lois researched the genealogy of both the Spackman and Minnigh families, reaching back to their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 1700's. It was very important to her to share that history with all the children in the extended families.

Lois is survived by her son, George D. Minnigh of Jamestown, NY; a granddaughter, Marjorie Minnigh of Boston, MA; a grandson and his wife, Todd R. and Denise Minnigh of Pittsford, NY; four great-grandchildren, Jamie Minnigh Keegan of Boston, MA, Sarah Elizabeth, Ella, and Christina Minnigh of Pittsford, NY. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and her former daughter-in-law Harriett Minnigh.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her sisters Grace Orlando, Sarah Ricalton, Inez Angus, Jane McBride, and Joan Hahn.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W. Park St, Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 24.

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Jeff Little, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Venango County Historical Society, 307 S Park St, Franklin, PA 16323