Mary Frances Smith Hargrove, age 90, passed away on May 13, 2020, at Spring Creek Health Care, Hospice section. She was born on December 29, 1929, in Trigg Co., KY, to Caleb and Alma Smith.
She is preceded in death by her husband, TC Hargrove; her parents, Caleb Smith and Alma Smith Cooper; her sister, Caleen Smith Felts; her brothers, Glen Smith, Lloyd Cooper, and Frankie Cooper; and grandson, Matthew Hargrove. Survivors include 5 sons: Stanley (Linda) of Paducah, KY; Clayton (Vicki) of Jacksonville, FL; Ronnie (Gloria) of Murray, KY; Bob (Kathy) of Murray, KY; and Don (Dianne) of Harrison, TN; 10 grandchildren: Kristi Hargrove, Hope Hargrove , Alicia Hargrove Duff, Becky Hargrove Stanton, Jessi Hargrove Williams, TJ Hargrove, Michael Hargrove, step grandsons, Brian Shell and Rob Lindsey, and step granddaughter, Gina Owens; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother, John Cooper.
Frances excelled in school and often told her family about winning the county spelling bee contest and competing at state in 7th grade.
She married the love of her life, TC Hargrove on May 18, 1946. She was a devoted wife and mother who worked many early and long hours inside and outside of the home. She and TC made sure the boys participated in school and summer activities where they were always in attendance to give support. Frances spent her summers working in her garden, canning food for her family, even making clothes for the boys, and attending her sons’ baseball games. In the early years, she was employed at Kuhn’s Five and Dime, Sears, and then retired after 20 years from Fisher Price where she worked production and quality control. Frances earned her GED, quite an accomplishment for someone past 60, in order to work as a teacher’s aid in the Calloway County Preschool.
She spent hours with TC in several hospitals while he was recovering from multiple heart surgeries. No one ever heard a word of complaint. Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Granny” and enjoyed many visits with her over the years where they always knew she would have their favorite videos and snacks waiting for them.
After TC passed, Frances moved into town and became a member of the Glendale Road Church of Christ where she worshipped regularly until health prohibited. She enjoyed traveling with close friends from Murray taking several bus trips to visit cities across the U.S.
She moved into assisted living and then into Spring Creek Health Care where she became the Bingo Queen. She loved to play making sure to sit close to the caller so she could hear the number correctly.
The highlight of her recent past was her 90th birthday celebration. Many friends and family travelled to share the day with her. It was a magical day for Frances and became one of the last good days she would have.
The family request any gestures of condolences be made to Meals on Wheels, Murray-Calloway Co Senior Citizens Center, Weaks Community Bldg, 607 Poplar St, Murray, KY 42071; and Soup for the Soul, 411 Maple St., Murray, KY 42071. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private visitation will be at JH Churchill Funeral Home followed by graveside services in the Murray Memorial Gardens with Garry Evans and John Dale officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
