Ms. Francine E. Roby, 66, of Bristol, passed away peacefully following some health issues at The Maples at Waterford Crossing in Goshen on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm. She was born on January 24, 1957 in Gary, Indiana to the late Veola Roby DeNeal and James Ledbetter, and raised by Samuel DeNeal Sr.

Francine is survived by her daughter Rebah (Tiffany) Roby-Smalls of North Chesterfield, Virginia; her brother Randolph Roby of Elkhart; sisters Shelia Buckhalter, Belinda (Sherman) Holmon and Chris (Michael) Cobbin, all of Chicago, Illinois and Letitia DeNeal of Elkhart; grandchildren Khyana (Bryan Danner) Sanders of Bristol and Sunrise "P.J." Price, Jr. of Indianapolis and a host of loving extended family and good friends. Along with her parents, Francine is preceded in death by her brother Samuel DeNeal, Jr.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are hosting a gathering of family and friends and a viewing on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 2-4 pm. No funeral service will take place and cremation will follow Friday's viewing.

Francine spent the majority of her adult life as a homemaker raising her daughter and assisting with her grandchildren. She kept a clean and orderly home, and the family all immediately agreed that Francine's best attribute was her ability in the kitchen. Whether it was cooking a savory dinner or baking a delicious, sweet dessert, Francine showed her love through her cooking, and no one rolled away from the table still hungry!

Francine was the life of any party because of her sense of humor. She enjoyed staying in contact with all of her family and friends, making her daily calls. She loved the ability to reach out and everyone enjoyed expecting their traditional "phone call from Fran" on their birthday. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Delilah Chapter #2 Chicago.