Carol Jane Frane

Carol Jane Frane, 90, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur.

She was born on July 15, 1935, in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Walter Joseph Elzey and Crystal Francis (Baltzell) Elzey.

Carol graduated from Decatur High School before earning her bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1957. She later received her master's degree from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne in 1969 and continued her education with an additional 36 graduate credit hours beyond her master's degree. A faithful member of St. Luke Church, Carol served as the church librarian and was a dedicated member of the education committee. She was also a longtime member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and the Fort Wayne Teacher Retirement Association, both since her retirement in 1995. In addition, she was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at Indiana University since 1954.

Carol enjoyed a rewarding 35-year career as a second-grade teacher with Fort Wayne Community Schools. She believed deeply in the value of education and inspired generations of young students through her knowledge, patience, high standards, and unwavering dedication. She viewed teaching not simply as a career, but as an opportunity to shape young minds and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Through her patience, kindness, and dedication, she touched the lives of countless students before retiring in 1995.

Carol's love of learning extended well beyond her professional life. She found great fulfillment serving in her church library and enjoyed drawing, quilting, playing the piano, listening to music, and reading. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Indiana University athletics.

Survivors include her cousins, Larry (Janet) Macklin, Susie (Jan) Smith, Jack (Carol) Macklin, Janet Macklin , Bob (Donna) Shraluka all of Decatur, Indiana; Jayne (Ron) Macklin-Burman of Tennessee; Susie Reinhard of California; Elizabeth Ann Meitz of Globe, Arizona; Barbara (Brian) Zurcher of McKinney, Texas; Nancy (Dave) Gumpp of Fort Wayne, Indiana; special friends and almost family, Meleta (Neil) Brown and Jodi (Tom) Willeke both of Decatur, Indiana.

Carol was preceded in death by her brother, Walter J. Elzey Jr.; and her cousin, Tom Macklin.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at St. Luke Church, 4960 W. 100 N., Decatur, Indiana, with Pastor Mike Wertenberger officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at St. Luke Church, prior to the service.

Preferred memorials may be given to the St. Luke Church Building Fund.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.