Mrs. Mary Frances Koone, age 82 of Shelby, NC, passed away Monday, September 1, 2014 at Wendover Hospice House, Shelby.  Funeral services will be held 4:00 pm Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Cleveland Funeral Services and Crematory Chapel conducted by Rev. Andy Oliver and Rev. Jim Richardson.  A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park, Shelby.

   She is survived her husband of 48 years, Clyde Koone of the home, two children, Mitchell Guffey and wife Kim of Rutherfordton, NC, and Grace Clark of Lincolnton, NC, ten grandchildren, Katie Sparrow and husband Warren of Savannah, GA, Valerie Brown and husband Tom of Mauldin, SC, Matt Guffey of Ellenboro, NC, Kelly Reynolds and husband Chad of Polkville, NC, Kim Gettys and husband Chris of Shelby, NC, Ashley Horton and husband John of Mooresboro, NC, Josh Houser and wife Jennifer of Mooresboro, NC, Heather Upton and husband Kimmy of Lincolnton, NC, Nathan Bumgarner of Lincolnton, NC, and Carmen Clark of Lincolnton, NC, twenty great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Susan Guffey of Ellenboro, NC.

   Born May 12, 1932 in Rutherford County, Mrs. Koone was the daughter of the late Horace and Ruby (Early) Guffey and was preceded in death by two children, Michael Guffey and Freda Dial, a granddaughter, Brandy Guffey, three brothers, Charles Guffey, Dan Guffey, and Bill Guffey, and two sisters, Mertice Goode and Ethel Jolley. Mrs. Koone was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Shelby where she was a member of the original Couples Sunday School class.  She graduated from Forest City High School in 1950.  Frances loved working in the flower garden, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

   Pallbearers will be Chris Gettys, Matt Guffey, Josh Houser, Nathan Bumgarner, Ben Brown, and Jonah Sparrow.

   The family would like to express a sincere thanks to staff at Wendover Hospice House.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Height Drive, Shelby, NC 28152.

   To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com or visit us on our facebook.

   A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.