Frances Ohls Obituary

Frances Evelyn Blose Ohls, 89, passed away peacefully at home on June 27,2025 following a brief illness.

Known as Fran to her family and friends, she was born in Renovo, Pennsylvania on December 19,1935 to the late George Charles Blose and the late Agnes Lyter Blose. After losing her mother at the age of 12, she was raised in her grandparent’s home with her two brothers, Charles and Alton Blose. Following graduation from high school, she moved to Corning, New York to work as a secretary at Corning Glass Works. It was there that she met the love of her life, James W. Ohls (Jim). They were married on February 25,1955 and together raised 4 children in Horseheads, NY. Fran spent many years working in the banking field and eventually became a training manager with Marine Midland Bank. Following her husband’s death in 1982, she eventually left New York and moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1986 to be closer to her daughter. She began a career with Contec, Inc. in 1994 and was instrumental in the formation of its samples department, retiring as the head of the department in 2011. She was devoted to her faith, her family, and her friends. She loved her church family at Second Presbyterian Church and was a devout supporter of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen. Patience and compassion were her best virtues. Fran loved meeting people and was a great conversationist. She had a keen memory and was a sharp competitor, especially when it came to trivia and word games. Late in her life Fran became an avid Atlanta Braves fan and never missed watching a game, keeping track of each game’s score in a special notebook she kept by her side.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her two brothers, Fran is survived by her four children and their spouses, Stephen H. Ohls (Sheila) of Hanceville, AL; Elaine Ohls Smith (Jim) of Spartanburg; James H. Ohls (Brandie) of West Point, VA; Lee A. Ohls (Denise) of Rock Hill, SC; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Vi Blose of Millerstown, PA; friend Judy Ervin of Jacksonville, FL; and friends Steve and Judy Rhodes of Spartanburg.

A memorial service honoring Fran’s life will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Second Presbyterian Church, 438 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

In remembrance of Fran, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, 136 S Forest Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family of Fran Ohls extends its deepest appreciation to Spartanburg Regional Hospice and Comfort Keepers for the care and love shown to our mother and our family during her brief illness.