Frances Julia Kimpel, 87, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Pinnacle Health Hospital-West Shore.

Born on March 31,1928 in Rockland, MA, she was the daughter of the late Guy and Julia (Whitney) Benner. Frances received her bachelor's degree from Colby College in Waterville, ME, and her master's degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.

Frances taught fourth grade for many years at Battle Ground Elementary School in Indiana. She especially loved teaching history, and maintained a lifelong interest in politics and world affairs. When she retired, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. After moving to Pennsylvania, Frances and her husband became members of the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, where she served as a choir member, a Deacon, and with the Quilters and Crafters for Mission.

Frances was known for her kindness and compassion, and was always available to help a friend or neighbor in need. She loved reading, Scrabble, trips to New England beaches, and, most of all, spending time with her cherished family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John "Jack" H. Kimpel, of Mechanicsburg, three sons, John W. Kimpel, of Olathe, KS, Chuck H. Kimpel, of Durham, NC, and Tom G. Kimpel and his wife Lee, of Tacoma, WA, one daughter, Maggie F. Bokelman, of Mechanicsburg, PA, two sisters, Beverly Cassara, of Cambridge, MA, and Barbara Gove, of Haverhill, MA, nine grandchildren, Kristi, Kevin, Hannah, David, Grace, Frances, Kathy, Emily, and Sophie,five great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Helen Benner, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Mathias, Karl, and Herman Benner, and one sister, Kaye Lockwood.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at the Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd St., Camp Hill, PA 17011, with the Rev. Dr. David Roquemore officiating. A reception will be held in the church following the service. Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, PA, is handling funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, or to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.