Lorena "Fran" Frances Smith

Lorena Frances (Fran) Smith passed away in the early hours on Friday, February 6, 2026. Born on March 24, 1932, in LaGrange, Kentucky, to the late Arthur and Lucille Mefford, Fran grew up spending much of her time farming and attending schools around Oldham and eastern Jefferson Counties. With much determination she eventually pursued an education in business, and once she married and welcomed her children, Judy, Mark, and Lisa, Fran settled her young family in California. Through the years, Fran’s resilient spirit helped her balance her love and dedication for her family and the commitment to a successful career in the medical business field. Sewing, painting, golfing, and singing in the church choir were favorite past times of Fran’s while her interests for people and places took her on many trips around the world. She eagerly sought opportunities to be with her many siblings often and eventually researched and recorded the family genealogy. At the age of 92, Fran returned to Kentucky where she spent her final months reminiscing and visiting with family.

Fran is survived by her daughter, Lisa; brother, Jerry (Pat); sisters Phyllis (Ron) and Linda; and sisters-in-law, Barbara, Toodle, and Kay. She is preceded in death by her husband Roy; daughter, Judy, her father, Kenneth; son, Mark, his father, Herb ; parents, Arthur and Lucille; brothers, Junior (Marcie), Hubert (Emma Lee), Norris, Gene, and Buddy(Janet); sisters, Louise (Bud, Jim), Flo (Ron), and Marta.

A chapel service will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive, on Saturday, February 14, at 11:00am with burial to follow at Valley of Rest in Lagrange. Visitation will be offered on Friday, February 13, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the funeral home. 

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