MEDA E. (CRONKHITE) FRANCISCO, 99, of Ceresco died on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at her home. She was born to RAY S. and BERTHA (GORE) CRONKHITE on July 13, 1910 in Burlington Township. She attended her first three elementary school grades at Urbandale, and attended Myers rural school in Burlington Township. She began at an early age playing a pump organ at Myers school opening exercises. She graduated from Union City High School in 1929. Mrs. Francisco, as a child had vivid memories of Camp Custer activities during World War I, which surrounded their home on Stringham Road near Urbandale. Mrs. Francisco's musical ability was taught by her mother. She and her sister sang, when very young, with their mother's accompaniment at different programs. The three played piano, violin, and cello. Mrs. Francisco served as pianist at Francisco school programs, and Newton Church choir, and Sunday school programs. She was affiliated with Montgomery Ward, and Wood's Furniture Co. in Battle Creek, also, Montgomery Ward District office in Grand Rapids. She enjoyed learning the ability, to identify trees, and wild flowers of the woods including birds and wildlife. She enjoyed history and served on historical committees in Newton Township. SHE COMPILED FIVE GENEALOGIES ON HER FAMILIES AND HER HUSBAND'S FAMILIES, THE FRANCISCO, CRONKHITE, LUTZ, GORE AND FULLER FAMILIES. She with her husband enjoyed working with their sons in 4-H, and F.F.A, projects. Mrs. Francisco was a member of the Newton United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, East Newton Aid Society, and the Union City High School Alumni Association, a life member of the State Audubon Society, the Calhoun County Genealogical Society, and the Mary Marshall Chapter of the DAR. She married SYLVESTER L. FRANCISCO of Newton Township on December 30, 1933 in Angola, Indiana. He preceded her in death in 1997. Surviving are two sons, NELSON of rural Ceresco, CURTIS (CINDY) of Burlington, 5 grandchildren, NEAL, (TAMMY) FRANCISCO, SHERRY (MARTY) ROWLAND, CHRISTOPHER (DEBRA) COOLEY, APRIL (JEFF) ARMSTRONG, and DANIELLE FRANCISCO, 9 great grandchildren, KYLE, KATIE, KELSEY, JESSICA, ASHLEY, BLAKE, DREW, KYLIE, and NADIA, and 3 nieces, and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Leah, brother EVAN, husband SYLVESTER, and one great grandchild AUSTIN ARMSTRONG. Friends may call at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Sunday May 2, from 1:00PM-7:00PM, where the family will be present from 1:00PM-3:00PM, and 5:00PM-7:00PM to greet friends and share memories. Funeral Services celebrating her life will be held at the Newton United Methodist Church on Monday May 3, at 11:00AM with Pastor Nancy Powers and Pastor Richard Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oaklawn Hospice, Newton United Methodist Church or to the Union City High School Alumni Scholarship Fund. Assistance with memorials is available at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services.