FRANKLIN - Florence May (Sickler) Beach, 101, passed away in her sleep March 10, 2025.

Florence and her twin sister Flora were born to Alfred and Elizabeth (Schmitt) Sickler on the family farm on Gay Brook Road in North Franklin Jan. 22, 1924. During the Depression, her family purchased a farm on Route 357 in North Franklin. Florence enjoyed life on the farm helping her parents, hiking on the hill with her dogs Spottie and Trixie, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Delaware County countryside.

While a student at Franklin Central School DLI, she was a member of the TTC sorority and chorus. After her 1943 graduation, Florence worked at Scintilla during WWII.

She met Raymond Beach on a blind double date with Ray's cousin Eldora and Florence's brother Edward. Florence and Ray married on Oct. 17, 1946 in Franklin. Six years later they built a house on Route 357, during which time Jack was born. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Florence and Ray led MYF for many years. After joining Aldrich Baptist Church, they were deacons, and Florence was a vacation Bible school teacher.

Florence spent countless days with her grandchildren and their friends, enjoying the beauty of the Ouleout Creek valley, where they spent lazy afternoons at the swimming hole, picking wild berries, star gazing on a clear night, hiking, fishing and finding arrowheads. An avid card player who loved animals, poems, and music, she especially enjoyed working puzzles with her great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her son, Jack; daughter-in-law, Kathie; grandchildren, Heather (Shane) Stalter, Jason (Yan Yan); great-grandchildren, Olivia, Lily, and Jack. She was predeceased by her husband, Ray; her parents; brothers, Edward and Elmer (infant); sister, Flora; and nephews, David, Robert, Richard and Leon (Beach).

The family appreciates the loving care of Florence provided by the staff of Chestnut Park Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aldrich Baptist Church, P.O. Box 174, Franklin, NY 13775.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, 425 Main St., Franklin. Family, friends, and neighbors are invited afterward to share memories and a luncheon at the Franklin Railroad Museum, 572 Main St., Franklin. Interment will be in Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.

We will miss you Ma, Grandma, Grams, and love you always.

Arrangements by Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.

Please visit www.bennettfh.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.