- Date Of Birth: January 29, 1930
- Date Of Death: May 28, 2022
- State: Georgia
Sarah Frances Ruark Gissendanner, known as Frances, age 92, passed away on May 28, 2022. She was born in Woodville, Georgia on January 29, 1930. She grew up in Woodville and after graduating from Union Point High School, she moved to Athens, Georgia with her parents Charlie Alexander Ruark and Mattie Lou (Griffith) Ruark. There she met her future husband, Elton Jake Gissendanner, who was attending the University of Georgia. After they married, Frances supported him while he finished Veterinary School. When he graduated, they moved to North Miami, Florida and had four children, Julie Rainey (Dan), Terri Cantin, Buddy Gissendanner, Chris Gissendanner (Stacie), and step-daughter Evie Tilley (John). She is survived by her husband of 70 years, her children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her sister Charlene Richards of Athens, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by four siblings, Pat Ruark, Rex Ruark, Hillma Cook, and Jeri Dixon.
Frances’ first love was her family. She spent her life raising her children, helping with her grandchildren, and supporting her husband in his veterinary practice and political career.
