Mary Frances Raber, 78, of Bellmont, Illinois, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 7, 1945, in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Frank M. and Iris E. (Smith) Peter. She married Dennis W. Raber on July 3, 1965, and they have celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage, centered around their faith and family.
Francy worked as a beautician for fifty-five years. She loved fishing, quilting and trips to Branson Missouri with Dennis. Francy helped to raise some of her nieces and nephews while their parents worked. She was an active member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church where she sang in the choir, taught classes after Sunday Mass and willingly helped out wherever needed. Francy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her presence on this earth will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Francy leaves behind her beloved husband, Dennis; two sons, Rodney Raber, Charles Raber; two daughters, Vera Jane Thompson and husband Robie, Michelle Dickey and husband Mark; grandchildren, Cassandra (CJ) Malloy, Trever Raber, Grace Raber, Miranda Raber, Austin (Anna) Thompson, Ashton Thompson, Dalton Dickey; three great-grandsons and another on the way; siblings, Michael (Barbara) Peter, Martin (Phyllis) Peter, Vera (David) Dobbs, Herman Peter, Reverand Patrick Peter, Elizabeth Richardson, Sally (Charlie) Witonis, David (Laura) Peter, and Vesta (Steve) Rigg; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Francy was preceded in death by her parents; one brother-in-law, Ed Richardson.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church with Father Patrick Peter and Father Robert Zwilling as co-celebrants.
Memorial contributions may be made in Francy’s memory to Linda E. White Hospice House, or St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Envelopes will be at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Francy’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Raber family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
