Frances “Fran” Skira

Frances (Fran) Ferencz Skira, 74 of Tipp City, Ohio left this world and walked into the loving arms of our Lord at her residence on March 22, 2023.  Fran was born on February 25, 1949 in North Charleroi, PA., the younger of twin daughters born to Kathryn (Drop) Ferencz and Andrew Ferencz. Her birth was a complete surprise to the doctors, nurses and especially to her parents, but not to her big sister, Sue, since they had known each other for a good 8 months by then. Fran grew up in Monessen, PA and graduated from Monessen High School in 1967, where she served on student council and was the editor of the MHS yearbook her senior year. Fran graduated in 1970 from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s degree in Education in 1976 from Duquesne University. Fran taught Kindergarten for 35 years: 25 of those years in Peters Township, PA and 10 years in Piqua, Ohio. 1992 turned out to be a momentous year for Fran and her future husband, Charles Skira, when they became reacquainted at their 25th high school reunion. A 5 year courtship ensued and they were married in June of 1997. What followed turned out to be the best 25 years of their lives. Her husband dragged her to the ski slopes (only one time), horseback riding (only one time) and onto the golf course (many times). He soon discovered that Fran was not an outdoorsy person, but preferred shopping followed by dinner at a nice restaurant and maybe a movie. She did enjoy traveling and together, they visited Italy twice, Ireland once, Nevis in the Caribbean, Alaska and many other locations and National Parks in the United States. Fran loved traveling, card making, baking, cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. Fran was a devout Catholic and was very involved at her church, St. John the Baptist Church in Tipp City, Ohio where she was a Eucharistic Minister and served on numerous committees and ministries. She also volunteered at the Clothesline in Tipp City.

Fran is survived by her husband Charles of Tipp City, OH; her sister, Susan Burdick of Grove City, PA, her daughter Elizabeth Appel of Pittsburgh, PA, her sons Aaron Skira of Lebanon, OH, Matthew Skira of Dayton, OH, Charley Skira of Huber Heights, OH and daughter Amy Skira (Crystal Skira) and grandson Vincent of Columbus, OH; brother and sister in law, James and Shirley Russell of Monessen, PA; niece Rozalyn Russell of Aliquippa, PA; nephews Greg Burdick (Toi Burdick)  of Auburndale, FL, Seth Burdick of Grove City, PA and great niece Miranda Burdick of Duenweg, MO.  Fran was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Kathryn Ferencz, her father and mother in law Charles and Sophie Skira, brother in law Robert (Bob) Burdick and niece Roxanne Russell. 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 10:00 AM until the funeral Mass at 12:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 753 S. Hyatt St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Father Andrew Smith, Celebrant. A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Benedict the Abbot Church, 120 Abington Dr, McMurray, PA 15317 at 10 AM on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Rd, Canonsburg, PA 15317. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you make a contribution in Fran’s memory either to St Vincent de Paul of Dayton, OH, Hospice of Miami County, OH or to St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City, OH.