Frances Witte

Frances Dee (Redifer) Witte of Bound Brook, New Jersey, passed away on the morning of Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset after a brief illness. Frances was born April 6, 1933 to Lester and Hallie (Michael) Redifer in Parnassus, Virginia. She dearly loved her two sisters: Irene Smith, Mary Catherine Snyder and two brothers: Richard Redifer and Michael Redifer who all remained in Virginia while she moved to Lexington, Kentucky, when she married John Paul Witte. Together, they raised two daughters and welcomed two sons-in-law into the family – Linda and Tobin Crawford (Lancaster KY) and Debra and Rob Cruver (Bound Brook NJ). Frances was a salon stylist, office secretary, seamstress, knitter, calligrapher, bowler, square dancer, foodie and incredibly lucky game player. She was the supreme celebrator of every birthday, anniversary and holiday. She spent several weeks each summer in Virginia with her siblings and was sure to attend her annual high school reunion. She also enjoyed her monthly gatherings with her “Gabriel Girls” and always glowed about how much love they poured on her. We must also mention her special “Drake Sisters” (Alma, Millie and Sue) who were so kind to include her in annual reunions. She loved to travel and was able to visit 48 of the United States, but still had Utah and Hawaii on her bucket list. She was able to see parts of Mexico, Canada and England. She had summer clothes still stored in a dresser drawer “in case I get to go to Florida over the winter.” Any warm day over 65 degrees drew her outside to sit in the sunshine. Frances loved Jesus and was thankful for the people in her life. She attended Zarephath Christian Church whenever she was able. She was Gramma Dee to many, including four biological grandchildren: Hannah (Cruver) Sibaja, Luke Cruver, Evan Crawford and Emma Crawford. As well as Manuel and Marian Sibaja, Joshua Paul and Joy Paul. She’d be quick to add Seth Nix, Sue Gonzalez, Pierre Georges (along with Zoey and Chloe) and Javier Cardoza. She also enjoyed all her nieces and nephews. Family was very important to her. Memorial Services will be held in New Jersey on Monday, December 30 at 7:30pm (visitation at 6:30) at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home in Bound Brook. As well as in Virginia at a future date TBD.