Merlene F. "Fran" Wittenberg Obituary (1946

Merlene Frances "Fran" Wittenberg, age 77, of Normal, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023. Fran was born February 5, 1946 in Hardinsburg, KY, daughter of Thurman Vance and Virginia Ruth Stinnett Vance. She married Fredrick Howard, in 1964 and Glen Arvey in 1975. She married Morris Eugene "Gene" Wittenberg on June 27, 1984 in Charleston, IL, he passed away on March 23, 1989. Survivors include her children, Ginger (Curt) Tutewiler of Normal and Larry (Mia) Arvey of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren, Corey (Libby) Tutewiler, Ryne Tutewiler, Payton Tutewiler, Kaylie Arvey, Luke Arvey, Vance Arvey and Sophia Hudgens; great-grandchildren, Theron Tutewiler and Ani Tutewiler; sisters, Juanita Amos and Nina Ferguson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Fran was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene; brothers, Thurman Vance and Donald Vance; sisters, Beverly Richman, Mary Waters, Virginia Tart and Wanda Caraker. Fran graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Tampa, FL and attended Hillsborough Community College and Eastern Illinois University. Fran was retired from Eastern Illinois University, where she worked for nearly 20 years. Fran was a woman of faith who loved Jesus. She was a member of East Harrison Street Church of God in Charleston, IL and after retiring and moving to Tennessee, she became a member of Bluegrass Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Fran loved her family and spent countless hours making memories with her grandchildren when they were young. Fran was proud of her family heritage and when she was told her newest grandson (8-14-23) was being named Vance, she was very excited. Fran loved puzzles, reading, gardening and she was a gifted artist. She leaves behind numerous pieces of her artwork for her family to enjoy; oil, acrylic, chalk, watercolor, ceramics and more. Fran's body and mind are now fully healed and she is rejoicing in heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ. A celebration of life will be planned at a future date. Memorials may be sent to Dementia Society of America: www.DementiaSociety.org/donate. Condolences and expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at 2010 Haverhill Park, Normal, IL 61761. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.