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LEWISTOWN - Frances Earp Shirk, 89, of 1 Parkview Terrace, Lewistown, died at 12:25 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at Lewistown Hospital.

Born June 9, 1920, in Yeagertown, she was a daughter of the late William Alton and Nora (Smith) Earp, but was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, the late William and Ruth (Smith) Filson.

Surviving is a brother, Richard F. Earp and wife Deanie, of Yeagertown.

Also surviving are a niece, Susan Earp, of Lewistown; a nephew, Tom Earp, of Etters; three great nieces and nephews and four great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and aunt and uncle, she was preceded in death by a brother, William L. Earp and an infant sister, Doris Marie Earp.

She was a Lutheran by faith. She volunteered at Lewistown Hospital and was a member and volunteer of Mifflin County Historical Society Research Library.

She was an avid reader and was excellent at needlework, folk art painting, knitting and crafts, and she enjoyed creating gifts for family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home Inc., 108 First Ave., Burnham, with the Rev. Charles L. Hershberger officiating. Interment will be Yeagertown Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Mifflin County Historical Society, 1 W. Market St., Lewistown, PA 17044.