Ruth Mauddene Francis
March 2, 1935 - August 29, 2024

Ruth Mauddene (''Deanna'') Francis of Greenville died Thursday, August 29, 2024. She was 89 years old. After an extended and brave battle with several medical conditions, Deanna passed with loved ones at hand while resting peacefully at Rock Creek Rehab in Sulphur Springs, where she spent her last weeks under hospice care, becoming a favorite among the nursing staff.
A service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, with Rev. David Francis officiating. Visitation with the family will precede the celebration beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Deanna was born March 2, 1935, in Red River County, Texas, to Albert Martin and Irene Slate Martin. She grew up in Paris, Texas, graduating from Paris High School in 1951. That summer, she married the love of her life, Stanley Edward Francis of Howe, Texas, who preceded her in death in 2011. They were both Christians and the thought of their reunion is sweet.
Deanna was the last of her siblings, including twin brother Gene Martin, beloved sister Louise (''Blondie'') Hodges, and three others who died in infancy. She was always grateful for the love shown by their children to their ''Aunt Deannie.''
Often saying she was ''the most blessed person ever,'' Deanna was a grateful and gracious lady. A church and community volunteer as a young mom, she returned to the workplace in 1962. She was especially grateful for her 30-year career at E-Systems, retiring in 1994. Yet her home was her favorite place. Her love language was phone calls and visits from neighbors, friends, and especially family.
Deanna is survived by three of her four children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, to whom she was ''Nona.''
• Son David Francis and wife Vickie of Hendersonville, Tennessee
o Dustin Francis (LeNan) of College Station, Texas (Peyton and Reagan)
o Shelby Francis of Wakefield, Massachusetts (Mia and Lennon)
o Kelsey Francis (Bethany) of Manhattan Beach, California (Gwen and Cora)
• Son Stan Francis and wife Wrenda of Sulphur Springs, Texas
o Corey Francis (Erin) of Mattawan, Michigan (Braeden and Evan)
o Dr. Jeremy Francis (Reneé) of Colorado Springs, Colorado (Morgan and Sal)
• Daughter Denise McPherson (Mike) of Fate, Texas
o Brittney Frey of Fate, Texas (Elijah and Alexander)
o Matthew McPherson (Christy) of Fate, Texas (Cameron and Maxwell)
• Daughter-in-law Beverlye Francis of Greenville (wife of son Ricky, who died in 2019)
o Joseph Francis (Sarah) of Fate, Texas (Kaley and Cade)
o Jesse Francis (Emily) of Plano, Texas (Jude and Milo)
o James Francis (Jessica) of Greenville, Texas (Delyla and Jameson)
o Sarah Salsman (''J'') of Conway, Arkansas (Lilly and Jackson)

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