Frances W. Rostron

Frances Ward Rostron of Clemson, SC peacefully passed away on June 17, 2019 at the age of 95. Born on May 30, 1924 in Charleston SC, she met the late Joseph P. Rostron while attending Citadel Square Baptist Church, and they were married June 5, 1943. They moved to Clemson in 1946 for the remainder of their lives.

Frances truly had a wonderful, long life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Clemson where she was involved in children's ministry, WMU and many other areas. She was also a life-long member of the Fort Hill Garden Club and served until she was no longer able. She was an accomplished seamstress, and her hardanger and needlepoint embroidery creations are true works of art. She loved flowers, and she recorded thousands of floral pictures from their travels that she loved to share with the club and other groups. She loved to bake and delighted in sharing her recipe for Fresh Apple Cake, along with wedding and other special-occasion confections.

As a mother of 5 within the space of 10 years, Frances kept very busy shuttling all 5 to band and a myriad of other activities. She was a teacher at heart, giving her children driving lessons, cooking tips, sewing lessons, and school project assistance. Many-a-time she would stay up late helping with typing papers during those pre-computer days. She enjoyed having cats and dogs for the family. Once, when the kids were still young, they all heard a little kitten meowing. It was stuck in a ditch by the side of the recently-paved road, covered in tar. Frances gently pulled the kitten out and spent hours cleaning off the tar. The kitten thrived and became a welcomed addition to the family.

Flying was a big part of Frances and Joe's life and they enjoyed touring the country in their Cessna 120. At the age of 60, she got her pilot's license and loved taking grandchildren and others for an aerial view of the upstate.

Frances was the daughter of the late Charles H. Ward Sr. and Myrtle Childress Ward; sister of the late Violet W McNeil, and mother of the late Carol Manos Lawter. She is survived by her brother, Charles H. Ward Jr of Seneca, SC; daughters, Charlotte Christian (Stan) of Quitman GA, Peggy Rostron of Phoenix, AZ and Pat Rostron of Raleigh, NC; son, Bill Rostron (Elaine) of West Union, SC; Grandchildren, David Manos of West Union, SC, Merrit M Spencer (Billy) of Austin, TX, Stephany C Norris (Stephen) of Valdosta, GA, Todd Christian (Lisa) and Karen C Long (Chris) of Charleston, SC, Rebecca Rostron of Duncan, SC, Sharon R (Ben) Black of Auburn, GA, Will Rostron of West Union, SC, Marie R Voytek (Jack) of Pickens, SC; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC on Monday June 24, 2019 at 12:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home at 11:15 AM.

Condolences may be expressed on line at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com.