Submitted by: Dan Rich

Frances Mae Holbert

Sept. 7, 1920 - Aug. 4, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/7/2008
MISHAWAKA - Frances Mae Holbert, 87, of Mishawaka, passed away Monday afternoon, August 4, 2008, in her home. Frances was born September 7, 1920, in Muncie, Indiana, a daughter of the late Guy and Ethel (Cook) Bratton. She grew up in Muncie and graduated with honors from Central High School in 1938. On April 13, 1940, Frances married Peter F. Holbert and they moved to South Bend in 1948 and settled in Mishawaka in 1966. She did secretarial work in the family business, Holbert Engineering. Frances was a homemaker and enjoyed flower gardening and her indoor plants. She was an avid reader and sports fan. Frances and Pete enjoyed spending winters on Captiva Island in Florida. She is remembered by her family for being a nurturer with a quality and steadfast nature. Frances' family was the center of her life and those surviving include her four sons, Jack (Sandy) Holbert of Lakeville, Patrick (Josephine) Holbert of Berrien Springs, Michigan, James (Diana) Holbert of Wakarusa and Bill Holbert of Mishawaka; six grandchildren, Michele, Erik, William, Jonathan, Katie and Nick; and three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Tyler and Wyatt. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Pete in 2007; brothers, Myron Bratton and Guy Bratton Jr.; a sister, Carol Chancellor; and a great-grandson, Dustin.

Friends may spend time with Frances' family today (Thursday) from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third, Mishawaka. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Steve Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.