Frances Marie Rininger

March 4, 1939 ~ July 29, 2024 (age 85)

Frances Marie Rininger (Summers) went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 29th—in the arms of her daughter.

Frances was born on March 4, 1939 in South Bend to parents Ernest and Mary Summers. She graduated from Clay High School in 1957 before going to beauty school.

She married her husband Dean, on July 28, 1962, and worked as a beautician in and out of her home for over fifty years.

Her children and grandchildren and friends remember her loving spirit, infectious laugh, strong mind—and her willingness to give without end.

Frances was prolific in crochet—with a fresh stack of doilies always in process—passionate about antiques, and always cooking. No one ever went hungry when she was around.

Frances and Dean were early supporters of Logan in South Bend (a brick with their names exists at Logan Industries) where their son Karl Dean worked for many years.

She cared for her son Karl every single day and was proud of her work ethic--with good reason. She worked in one way or another until she was 74 years old—a fact she would say proudly with a smile on her face.

Frances was also quite proud and happy to spend time with her high school friends, meeting for lunch every third Tuesday for years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dean; her best friend and sister, June; her siblings George and Marilyn—as well as her parents Ernest and Mary Summers.

Frances is survived by daughter, Staci (Mark) Smith of Buchanan; her son Karl Dean Rininger of Mishawaka; stepdaughters Toni, Terri, and Shelli; brother Ernie; sister Beverly; grandchildren Matthew Smith of Seattle and Nicholas (Adara) Smith of South Bend; step-grandchildren Leslie, Lindsay, Lisa, Diana, Brittney, Christine, and Tyler; precious great-grandchild Phoenix Smith; and several step-great-grandchildren—as well as an endless amount of people whose life she touched.

A memorial service is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Monday August 5, 2024 at Palmer Funeral Homes ~Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635 with a visitation one hour prior—followed by a private burial. All are welcome to attend the memorial and celebrate the vast impact of Frances’ life!

The family would like to thank everyone who has supported Frances through her life and death whose names could go on forever.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

12/06/2024 DEC

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Frances-Rininger