Sarah Francis Wessel

Sarah Francis "Fran" Wessel, 82, of Ranson, West Viriginia passed away Tuesday June 16,2026, peacefully at home with her loving husband by her side. Born July 6, 1943, In Cape Girardeau, Missouri she was the daughter of the late Otto Henry Sperling and Sarah Thuresa Ford. Fran graduated from Jackson High School, Jackson Missouri in 1961. She worked as a sales associate in many shoe stores in Missouri and was employed for 15 years at The Way Christian Bookstore. Fran was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Stephens City, Virginia. She served as the past President and State Officer of General Federation of Women's Club 9th District in Missouri. Fran was a devoted mother and wife to her husband Leon during their 62 years of marriage. She was very supportive and confidant of Leons military career with the Navy. Fran was a wonderful cook and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Fran was an avid supporter of St. Judes Research Center in Memphis, Tennessee and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). Fran is survived by her husband, Leon; son, Kirk of Ranson; and daughter, Kristi Downs and husband Chris of Loudoun, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Lauren Eggimann, Lynne Christian (Matt), Abby Renaud, Kirk Wessel II, Brianna Wessel and Landon Wessel; three great-grandchildren Cruz, Vonn and Cole Christian; brother, Thomas Sperling and wife Marrianne of Jackson, Missouri. Fran was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert and sister Marilyn Whitmore. Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday June 24, 2026 at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri. A graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Thursday June 25, 2026 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Stephens City, Viriginia or to St. Jude Chilren's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri is in charge of arrangements.

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Sarah Francis Wessel

July 6, 1943 - June 16, 2026