Frances H. Pretty, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born December 29, 1934, in Clintonville, WV.  She was the loving daughter of Cecil and Mary Hanson.  Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert S. Pretty, in 2019. She also mourned the loss of her sons, Gary S. Pretty in 2008 and Keith B. Pretty (Sandy Pretty) in 2016; her grandson, R. Stewart Pretty in 2025; and her sisters, Ruby Price in 2018 and Stella Reece in 2025. 

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Anne Pretty (Stephen Merkel); 6 cherished grandchildren:  Maggie Moran (Ericka Moya), Zachary Pretty (Shannon Pretty), Jack Merkel, Grace Merkel, & Benjamin Merkel; 1 treasured great-grandchild:  Cooper Pretty; many nieces and nephews; & her devoted sister, Kathy Knicely.

Frances graduated from Westminster High School in 1952.  She spent 27 years working for Maryland Public Television, where she built lasting friendships. Alongside husband Bob, she co-owned the Freedom Spirit Shoppe for nearly a decade.  Frances earned her Bachelor’s degree from College of Notre Dame of Maryland at the remarkable age of 60. Frances had a deep passion for civic service. During her retirement years, she volunteered with numerous civic organizations and proudly became the first female president of the Selbyville Lions Club.

A loyal Baltimore Ravens fan, she was an original season ticket holder and rarely missed a game well into her 80’s. Frances found great joy in bird watching & antiquing.  Bob & Fran lived in Selbyville, DE during their retirement years & forged many special friendships.  In her later years, she moved to central Virginia to live with her daughter, where she continued to be surrounded by family, friends, and pups.

Frances will be remembered for her strength, generosity, outgoing personality, and fierce love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the barriers she broke, and the example she set. 

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Sandy Mount United Methodist Church, 2101 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg, MD 21048. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Finksburg, MD. A reception will follow at Sandy Mount Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following: Alzheimer Association, 4600 Cox Rd #130, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or Goochland Animal Shelter, 1900 Hidden Rock Ln, Maidens, VA 23102.