Jean Hyde Frable will be remembered for putting heart into all she did and for her commitment to helping others. Born September 1, 1929, in Louisville, KY, she died peacefully with family at her side in Lawrenceburg, IN on July 9, 2016.
She spent her early years helping her parents, Brigadiers Gordon Alexander Hyde and Thelma Louise Hyde, ordained ministers in the Salvation Army. Whether it was singing in church, helping feed others, or visiting those in need, she said her parents modeled the values to which she aspired.
A valedictorian and first female class president of her high school (1947) in Gaffney, SC, her commencement address “A Look Toward the Future” was the beginning of her journey of service. Jean graduated from the University of Akron in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education and became a licensed registered nurse. While working at Akron General Hospital, she met her husband Dr. Frank L. Frable Jr. and married on June 27, 1953. Soon after in 1954, the first of seven children was born. With a move to Milan, IN in 1955 to follow Frank’s practice, she focused on caring for the growing family.
After moving to Aurora, IN in 1959, Jean became involved with local activities and she and Frank became members of the Aurora First United Methodist Church and later the Greendale Baptist Church. She was active in the church. Jean loved sewing, knitting, gardening, and baking; especially over the holidays. She was a hospice and adult literacy volunteer, and a talented vocalist and musician. Jean gave her heart to raising her children and supported them in so many ways in music, academics, scouts, and sports.
A lifelong learner, she returned to school completing a nursing refresher program through several hospitals in the Cincinnati area. She also completed a second bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH. Her longer-term vision was to become a pastor and follow in her father’s and mother’s footsteps. She began that journey at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, where she was known for her skill in Greek and Hebrew. After earning her Master of Divinity degree, she became active in delivering services at many churches in the area and providing bereavement counseling. After further study at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, she was ordained and became the first woman pastor at Richwood Presbyterian Church in Richwood, KY, during 1998. Her passion for pastoral work and helping others had come full circle. As she balanced her role as pastor, she kept her love for horseback riding and her dog “Bear.” She would commit her life to the church and honorably retire in 2008.
From 2008 through 2011 she stayed active in community activities with her husband and attended regular services at the First Presbyterian Church of Aurora. She continued her love for singing in the choir. Her desire to help others never ceased. During 2012, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Jean lived her final years at Legacy, RidgeWood Health community in Lawrenceburg, IN. Jean and Frank celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 27, 2016.
Surviving her are her husband Frank, her seven children Pam Frable and husband Warren Nagumo, Gordon Frable, Rachel Frable Dieterle and husband Paul, Glenn Frable and wife Connie, Guy Frable and wife Patti Szabo, Garth Frable and wife Teresa McMahon, Amy Frable Jones and friend Doug Jones; seven grandchildren Alex Dieterle, Andrew Dieterle, Michael Dieterle, William Jones, Anne Jones, Jason Hall, and Tracy Russell; and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her six nieces Debbie Caskey (Jay), Cindy Hammond, Tammy Hicklin, Marie McNamara (Brian), Debbie Frable (John), and Geraldine Frable. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Lois (Hyde) Hicklin.
Visitation at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Fourth Street, Aurora, IN, Tuesday, July 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service at First Presbyterian Church of Aurora Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., followed by a short reception from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the church. A private burial for the family will be at Riverview Cemetery.
The family also welcomes any stories and memories you have to share about Jean.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Alzheimer’s Association, and Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. If unable to attend, please call the office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.
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