Obituary: Frances Ann (Masten) Shinsky, 85, of Ludington

Frances Shinsky

Frances Ann (Masten) Shinsky, 85, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday October 31, 2024.

Fran was born on May 8, 1939, the daughter of the late John and Ann Marie (Gendrolius) Masten. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Simon High School. On June 28, 1958, she married her forever love, Russell Shinsky, Jr. They shared over 60 years together until his passing in 2020. For 25 years, she worked as a dental assistant at Dr. Helms’ office. Fran was also a member of St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington.

Fran was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her husband, Russell, children, and grandchildren with all her heart, enjoying every minute she got with them. She could often be found surrounded by them along with close friends. In her recent weeks, she often spoke of how sad she was, knowing she wouldn’t be around to see her great grandchildren grow up and prayed that her entire family would be happy, healthy and safe.

Fran enjoyed her summer days at the Ludington beach, weekend camping, working in her flower bed, and making sure Russell had their yard groomed properly. Most of all, she loved to have a good time! She cherished her winters at her condo in “Sunny” Holiday, Florida.

Frances is survived by her children, James (Janet) Shinsky of Ludington, Robert (Beverly) Shinsky of Ludington, and Ann (Mark) Mavis of Scottville; grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla), Andrea, Jonathon, Jenna, Rosie, and Abby (Kasey); great grandchildren, Addy, Ari, Brendan, Landon, Nadia, Eliza, Franklin, Ophelia, Ellenor, Anna, Maci, Noah, Ellie, and Liam; brother, John (Madlyn) Masten III; sister-in-law, Julie (Richard) Samuels; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Besides her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Shinsky; sister, Rose Mary (Fred) Braun; brother, Thomas Masten; nephew, Michael Fasel; and special friends, Karel and Roger Schott, Nedra Shanks, and Jill Howell.

The family would especially like to extend their thanks and gratitude to those who showed grace and kindness over the years; Tom and Sue Eriksen, Dick and Loretta Gundburg, Betty Green, Lucille Bailey, Jan Babcock, Joan Smith, and Martha Andreodis.

A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Rev. Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Frances will be laid to rest beside her husband at Pere Marquette Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Childhood Cancer Campaign. This nonprofit held a special place in Fran’s heart, as they helped during her great granddaughter Maci Jensen’s fight against cancer.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.