Mary Frances (Fran) DeMong, passed away on October 9, 2022.  She was born on July 13, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the first child of Ralph Pettit and Pauline (Adkotch) Pettit.

Fran attended Purdue University and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.  A true trail blazer, Fran graduated from Purdue University College of Pharmacy in 1949 in the first class to include women at the College of Pharmacy.  She married Laverne DeMong on June 18, 1949.

Fran and Laverne opened and operated the Lena Drug Store in Lena, IL from 1952-1964.  In 1965, they purchased the Lyons Drug Store in Clinton, IA and opened a pharmacy in the Bluff Medical Center in the early 1970's.  In 1989, they sold both, retired, and moved back to Lena, IL in 1992.

Fran enjoyed swimming, golfing, playing bridge, gardening, painting, and traveling.  While living in Lena, Illinois, Clinton, Iowa and Sun City, Arizona she was involved in numerous volunteer organizations.  She was a lector and eucharistic minister at St. Clements in Sun City and at St. Joseph's in Lena.

In her 70's and 80's, she dove more seriously into her painting, winning numerous ribbons in Sun City, Arizona art shows.  Her children's homes are adorned with "Fran DeMong" originals including one of her last works- a Laverne DeMong Family tree.

Most of all she loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Fran was a sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her sister Kay Baier; four of her children- James (Kathy) DeMong, Patricia DeMong, Diana (Bill) Atkins, and Mary DeMong; daughter-in-law Ann DeMong; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, step-father, husband Laverne, and oldest son Dennis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday October 15, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of services on Saturday October 15, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.

Father Andrew Skorbutt will officiate the services.

A memorial has been established in her name for FHN Hospice and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com .