Frances “Fran” Wurtz Doddridge, 84, of Ona, West Virginia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 22, 2025.
Fran was born on July 16, 1940, in Cheektowaga, New York, to the late Leona and Lester Wurtz. Her family later moved to Tempe, Arizona, when Fran was a young girl. In 1959, she met an airman named Olen Doddridge, who was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in nearby Glendale. They were married that same year. In 1963, the couple moved to Ona, West Virginia, where they raised their three children, Kelli, Shelli and Joe.
Together, Fran and Olen owned East End Body Shop in Huntington, West Virginia. They ran the body shop with integrity, honesty and Christian values, placing a small New Testament Bible in the glovebox of each car they repaired. An active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Ona, West Virginia, Fran served her church and community in countless ways. She enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. She also loved to walk, covering countless miles around the Huntington Mall with her dear friends.
Beloved by her 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Fran answered to both “Nanny” and “Granny.” She graciously opened her home to young people from all walks of life and was affectionately known as “Granny Franny” by many of those whose lives she touched. With a gift for saying exactly what was on her mind, Fran brought endless laughs and unforgettable moments to every family gathering.
Fran was preceded in death by her sister, Deanna Lounsbury, and her son-in-law, Tim Beckett. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Olen; three children, Kelli (Dan) Pyles, Shelli Beckett and Joe (Luda) Doddridge; 11 grandchildren, Eric (Katherine) Pyles, Drew (Kristen) Pyles, Joy (Corey) Cole, Chad (Rachel) Pyles, Trey (Anna) Beckett, Tanner (Daniela) Beckett, Emily Doddridge, Liam Doddridge, Lilah Doddridge, Quinlan Doddridge and Harlow Doddridge; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece, Deborah (Richard) Flora, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Wallace Funeral Home, Milton, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
