Frances Ilene Fosha, 85, lovingly known by all as “Franny,” passed away at 4:51 a.m., Monday, May 26, 2025, at High Point Residence in Jerseyville, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on January 20, 1940, in Jerseyville, she was one of three daughters born to the late Ralph and Kathryn (McAdams) Russell. On January 6, 1960, she married Richard “Dick” Fosha in Carrollton, Illinois, and together they built a life grounded in love, faith, family, and community. They were blessed with three children and shared 40 years of marriage before his passing on May 18, 2000.
To describe Franny as a staple of the Jerseyville community doesn’t quite do her justice - Franny was Jerseyville. Her kindness was legendary, her pies were unforgettable. And her presence, absolutely magnetic.
In 1980, Franny opened the Donut Kitchen on Highway 16, a humble beginning that quickly exploded into something much larger. Locals and out-of-towners alike flocked to the little shop for a taste of her famous donuts, but it wasn’t just the pastries that drew people in—it was Franny herself with her warm smile, her quick wit, and her ability to make anyone feel at home.
As the lines grew longer and the demand greater, she expanded into what would become one of the most cherished local institutions: Fran and Marilyn’s on State Street. There, generation after generation gathered at her tables. Sunday mornings weren’t just about breakfast, they were about tradition, community and love.
Even after selling the business, Franny kept working in the kitchen. She wasn’t ready to walk away from what she had built, or the people she had come to love. Long after her apron was hung up, she could still be found at the round table—laughing, reminiscing and sharing stories. Her presence continued to anchor the place.
Franny had a heart that beat for others. She adored children and was known for handing out toys and treats with every visit. She developed a deep, genuine bond with the members of the Jerseyville American Legion Color Guard—serving them countless meals, supporting their work, and becoming one of their fiercest champions. She sent care packages to troops overseas, never missing an opportunity to show her gratitude and love for her country.
Her passion extended beyond the kitchen. She was an avid bowler, a dedicated softball player and coach, and a fierce competitor on BINGO nights. She made people laugh, she made people feel seen and she never stopped giving.
After her daughter and son-in-law opened DJ’s Pub & Grill, Franny was right there—greeting kids with candy, chatting with customers, and simply being Franny. She also deeply cherished the time she spent visiting her son and his family in Texas. Those trips were filled with laughter, love, and the simple joy of being surrounded by her grandchildren. Franny's devotion to her family, both near and far, knew no bounds—she poured her heart equally into every gathering, and every milestone. Her love was a constant presence that they will all forever cherish.
But perhaps one of her most meaningful legacies came in the wake of heartbreak. Following the tragic loss of her son, Jimmy, she turned her grief into action—pouring her love into the Jimmy Fosha Golf Tournament, helping to keep his memory alive while giving back to others. She proudly sported her Jimmy shirts and kept his name alive in the most beautiful way: through generosity, joy, and love.
She gave her all to her family, her friends and her community—and they gave that love right back. To know Franny was to be part of something bigger. She didn’t just touch lives; she changed them.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Sherrill Fosha of Frisco, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Danny Smith of Jerseyville; her daughter-in-law, Ann East of Jerseyville; seven grandchildren, Amy Jo (Mark) Pohlman of St. Charles, Missouri, Danny Joe “DJ” (Kristen) Smith of Jerseyville, Katie Fosha-Bourne of Carrollton, Texas, Dawn (Mike) Wittman of Jerseyville, Andrew (Meagan) Fosha of Flower Mound, Texas, Aaron (Paige) Fosha of Edwardsville, and Richard “Richey” (Lynsi) Fosha of Jerseyville; nine great-grandchildren; and a vast circle of family, friends, and neighbors who will forever carry her spirit with them.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dick; her son, James R. “Jimmy” Fosha on June 16, 1999; her parents, Ralph and Kathryn Russell; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Donald Looper, and Gloria and Gerald “Jerry” Wendle.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday.
She will be laid to rest at White Cemetery near Otterville, beside the husband and son she so dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to White Cemetery or the Fieldon United Church of Christ.
Franny’s life was a beautiful recipe of love, laughter, faith, and service. She gave without limits, loved without conditions, and left the world far better than she found it.
There will never be another quite like her.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com
