Frances Ann McElwee

Frances went to be with her savior on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from her home in Lebanon, Indiana. Frances was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother who always had a beautiful smile.

Frances was the eldest daughter of Frank and Anna Catharine (Kincaid) Hiland who preceded her in death. She was a life-long resident of Boone County and was a graduate of Lebanon High School. Frances graduated from the Methodist School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse and spent her early career working for Dr. Wiseheart and at Witham Hospital. After staying home to raise her family, Frances returned to Nursing as an Addictions Nurse for the Koala Center of Lebanon and Fairbanks Hospital in Indianapolis. She retired in 2003.

As much as Frances loved nursing, she loved her family even more. As a mother and wife, she made a loving home for her family. Frances married Robert McElwee in 1961. Robert preceded her in death in 1987. Frances and Robert spent their time going to the many practices, games, concerts, band contests, track meets and all the things their children were involved with. For many years, she performed the role of mom and dad. Frances loved going to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frances served as a 4-H leader, assistant leader along with many volunteer positions. Frances loved having her family get together and to make enough food for left-overs for everyone. In 2012, Frances married Bob Strawmyer and she cared for him until he passed away in 2018.

Frances was a member and deaconess of Pleasant View Christian Church and later attended Lebanon Christian Church. Frances was a twenty-eight year breast cancer survivor.

Frances is survived by children: Deborah Herschell of Williamsburg, Va, Michelle McElwee of Lebanon, Melinda (Kristopher) Strawmyer of Westfield, Michael (Julie) McElwee of Carmel, IN, Darin (Lisa) McElwee of Plainfield, In, Catharine (James) McElwee-Roach of Bloomington. Eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren reflect their Grandma’s love. Frances is also survived by her brother Dr. Sam (Sandra) Hiland of Crawfordsville. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Frances was preceded in death by one grandson and one nephew. Frances was also preceded in death by her life-long best friend Beverly Branstetter.

Visitation will be Sunday April 12, from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary in Lebanon, In. Funeral Services will be held Monday April 13, at 11:00 am with calling one hour before the service. Interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Indiana Recovery Alliance, 1710 W 3rd Street, Bloomington, In, 47404.