Frances M Steinert

Frances Marie Benge Steinert departed for heaven on August 21, 2019 surrounded by her family in West Chester, Ohio at the age of 86. Frances was born in Laurel County, London, KY to Bertha M. Hale and Chester G. Benge on May 15, 1933 – the third of four girls. She was educated in Laurel County Schools, attended Wyan Elementary and graduated co-valedictorian from Hazel Green High School in April 1950. After high school Frances moved to Detroit, Michigan and secured a secretarial position with Fisher Body. In 1955 she relocated to Louisville, KY – which became her “forever” home. In May 1958 she married Clarence W. Steinert- whom she met at American Standard where both were employed. She was married for the next 50 years until his death in 2009. Frances worked as a secretary, administrative assistant, and office manager. Her typing, shorthand, and work ethic, along with her superior mind for detail and excellent communication skills proved to be a key asset in the business world. In the 70’s she worked for a small law firm as a legal secretary, where her poise, formal manners, and tact were useful. Frances truly enjoyed her work in the legal profession and was the “legal” advisor for her own family. After retirement she found employment as a seasonal worker for the US Post Office. Socially, Frances was a member of the Order of Eastern Star – serving as secretary for 3 years to Buechel Chapter 339- now merged with Southern Star #154. She also held office in and was a member of PSI – Professional Secretaries International. She was a notary in the state of Kentucky, and was a charter member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Kentucky. Frances and Clarence had a rich life in Louisville. Starting with “Joy and Willie,” they raised dachshunds for many years. Their backyard became a sanctuary for wildlife – including birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, many of which became “pets.” In later years they gave up their love for dogs to become “cat” people and had “Felicia and Put- Put.” Clarence played the French horn and was a member of the Shriner’s Kosair Band. For many years Frances traveled with him all over the country, making friends and memories. Frances had the gift of graciousness – of putting others at ease. She never met a stranger but was kind to all. She delighted in good conversation – learning about others. A close friend, Frances Macy, said “if anyone thought outside the box, it was Frances. She was unique in that way.” We will recall her wild, eclectic but elegant flair for dressing, her leopard prints, black pantsuits, and signature blonde hair pulled into a single long left braid. “Aunt Frankie” was famous for her long type written letters and her unique personalization of birthday cards, creatively signed and dated by her for family and friends. *If you are reading this, you probably have one or two to treasure. Frances was a member of Valley View Baptist Church in Louisville and, as a child, of Hart Baptist Church of London. She put her personal trust in the Lord at an early age when her Aunt Nora Benge Chestnut paid for her and her sister Polly to attend a church camp. When they returned she was baptized at Green’s Pond. She loved the Lord dearly and demonstrated it throughout her life. Frances leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Steinert, her in-laws Sarah Stoker and John Steinert Sr., her brother- in- law John Steinert Jr., and her sister-in-law Dorothy L Steinert Jones (Howard). Also preceding her were her parents, Chester and Bertha Benge, and all of her sisters Naomi “Tiny” Moore (Paul), Dr. Pauline B. Johnson (Scott), and Charlotte Hope Benge. She leaves her nieces Rita K. Johnson, Nita J. Yaw (Jeff), Gina C. Dutro (Dan), nephews David L. Jones (Melinda), Brad L. Jones, Dennis P. Moore (Joyce), Bruce D. Moore (Maureen), great nieces and nephews Jared S Yaw (Codee), Rachel Yaw, Wesley R. Carlson (Swaleha), Grant C. Dutro, Kendra Beasley (Tony), Jennifer Marcial (Garry), Scott Jones, Katherine Jones, and great great nieces and nephews Elin, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Milo. A special thank you to her caregiver Judy Oldfield for her many hours of devotion. Frances will be buried at Wiggington Cemetery in London, KY alongside her sisters, parents, and grandparents. A celebration to honor her life will be planned at a later date to be held at Hart Baptist Church of London, Ky. WE LOVE YOU! WE MISS YOU! WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN! Donations may be made to Shriners or Eastern Star of Louisville or Hart Baptist Church of London, Ky. Condolences may be made to the family via Nita Yaw, 7358 Barret Rd., West Chester Ohio, 45069, Nitajyaw@yahoo.com 513.236.1789. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield, OH 45014 is serving the family. www.websterfuneralhomes.com