Frances A. Ensley

Frances A. Ensley, 94, a lifelong avid bridge player and recent president of the Pine Knoll Residents Association, died Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Southern Pines.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester C. Ensley, who died in 1998.
Frances Clymer was born in Peru, Ind., grew up in Ft. Wayne, Ind., moved to Chicago when she married Chester Ensley in 1939 and then settled in Lake Bluff, Ill., where she raised her family and was active in the community. She was elected to the local board of education and held statewide office with the Illinois League of Women Voters. In 1973, she and her husband moved to Southern Pines from Lake Forest, Ill., upon his retirement from Abbott Laboratories.
In Southern Pines, Frances Ensley met wonderful new friends and neighbors by playing bridge, learning to play golf with the Swingers and participating in many other local organizations. She took great pleasure throughout her life in expressing her artistic talents as a gourmet cook, decorator, clothing designer and decoupage and needlepoint expert.
Survivors include her daughter, Sarah K.Brandel, of Silver Spring, Md.; her son, Steven C. Ensley and his wife, Carol, of Ocean Shores, Wash.; four grandchildren, Marc A.Ensley and his wife, Heidi, Abigail E. Brandel, Christopher E. Ensley and Jennifer S. Brandel; two great-granddaughters, Arian and Brianna Ensley; her sister, Marilyn Trier of Louisville, Ky.; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation for the loving care provided Mrs. Ensley in the final months of her life by the staff of the Health Center at St. Joseph's of the Pines and of Community Home Care and Hospice.
Contributions in Frances Ensley's name may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 5301 Morganton Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314.
A service in celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 28, at Pine Knoll Residences on Central Avenue in Southern Pines.