Margaret B. Fratcher

As it is in the circle of life, it has come to pass a special mother, grandmother and friend of all, Margaret Bertha Roach Shoup Fratcher, 101 has joined hands with the angel Gabriel and her Lord. She has entered into the heavenly paradise to be together again with family and friends who have gone before her on Thursday June 19, 2014 at the Caring Place in Franklin where she has resided for seven years.

Born in Mt. Vernon, NY, on January 15, 1913, she was the first child of William Henry and Julia Ann Trender Roach. The family moved to the Roach farm in Irwin Township when she was 1 � years old. She attended Lyons School in Irwin Township and Franklin High school.

She was a member of the former Maple Dale Free Methodist Church where she served as president of the WMS for 15 years, and was a Sunday school teacher for 33 years. In addition, she helped with vacation bible school and led youth church services for many years. She was a devout Christian who spent many hours reading the Bible. She enjoyed reading and working word search puzzles. She loved spending time with her family; friends and people in general and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was adept at crocheting afghans and lap robes that found their way into the homes of her family, as well as into many local nursing homes.

In addition to raising her family, she worked for many years as a waitress at local restaurants, as well as providing child care for several local families.

She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth "Betty" King of Franklin; a son, Fred Shoup and his wife Carol of Franklin, and a daughter-in-law, Connie Shoup Whalen, of Phoenix, AZ. She is survived by five grandsons; Robert Shoup Jr. and William Shoup of Phoenix, AZ; David King and friend Lisa Totten of Clearwater, FL; Jay King and his wife Beth of Wake Forest, NC; and Kevin Shoup and his wife Penny of Polk; five granddaughters, DiAnne Nichols of Houston, TX, Kimberlee Fornof and her husband Richard of Oil City, Jeannetta Shoup of Pittsburgh, Tammy Baker and her Husband Jeff od Lawndale, NC, and Caryn Fuchs and her husband Udo of New Castle. She is survived by six great-grandsons and eight-great-granddaughters, seven great-great grandsons and six great-great granddaughters. She is also surveyed by three nieces and a nephew.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sons, William P. Shoup in 1936 and Robert E. Shoup Sr. in 1971; two grandsons, Charles E. Shoup and Arthur L. Shoup; one brother, Thomas J. Roach; two sisters, Evelyn Alice Marshall and Grace Julia Beers, and a son-in-law Jack W. King.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at The Caring Place for the loving care they provided for our Mom. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude.

In accordance with Mrs. Fratcher's request, there will be no public visitation. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Franklin Public Library 421 12th St. Franklin, PA 16323.