Marthajean Kleinhans

Marthajean Kleinhans (Harrier, Franich), age 91, formerly of Ithaca and Sparta, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Ashley Care Center in Ashley MI. Marthajean was born on June 24, 1925 in Gratiot County’s Emerson Township to Charles and Floie (Fidler) Harrier. She was preceded in death by her first husband George Franich and by her second husband, James Kleinhans. She is survived by her daughter Pat (Richard) Hill of Rockford, her son John (Ann) Franich of Ithaca, her son Greg Franich of Leitchfield KY, her son Mike (Sandi) Franich of Greenfield TN, her daughter Denise (Ted) Sadler of Woodinville WA, her twin sister, Marcelene (Ken) Cary of Fort Meyers FL, fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. “Marty” was a graduate of St. Louis (MI) High School. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, she worked for several organizations including Wolverine Worldwide (Ithaca), Dade County (Miami FL) and the State of Michigan. She had been a resident of Ashley Care Center for the past five years.A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 30 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Ithaca with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 4 to 8 PM at Barden Funeral Home 225 W. Center St., Ithaca, Michigan.