Mary “Louise” Bear

Mary “Louise” Bear

bear-picMary “Louise” Bear, 101, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 in the early hours of the evening at Sugar Creek Station.

Born on March 3, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Estella (Wilson) Riddle. Louise was a graduate of Franklin High School.

On March 10, 1950, Louise married the love of her life, Arthur Donald Bear; he preceded her in death on March 29, 1994.

Louise was a proud Co-Owner of Bear’s Furniture; Dairy Isle, which is now know as Polly’s Ice Cream; and one of the founders of Bonanza restaurants in Pennsylvania.

Louise was also a very active member of her church, the Sugarcreek United Methodist Church, as well as the United Methodist Women.

In her spare time, Louise kept herself busy with her other organizations (like the Venango Manor Auxiliary), traveling, and tending to her flowers.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Sherrie Ann Spotswood and her husband, Tom, her granddaughter Ashley Spotswood, and her great-grandson, Jason Spotswood, all of Springfield, Missouri.

In addition to her parents and husband, Louise was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph and Boyd Riddle.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323, from 2 pm to 4 pm to 6 pm to 8 pm.

Funeral services for Louise will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 27, 2019 starting at 10 am, with Reverend Karen Kostur, pastor of the Sugarcreek United Methodist Church, officiating.

Louise will be laid to rest next to her husband at Franklin Cemetery.

To send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.

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