Melanie Andree Francis

Melanie Andree Francis passed away peacefully on February 15th, 2026 at her home with her husband of 21 years at her side. Even after a 5-month battle with pancreatic cancer, she never gave up hope. Until the end she maintained her kindness, grace, and compassion for her family. Melanie was born December 30th, 1958 in Oil City Pennsylvania. Melanie is preceded in death by her father Richard L. Rankin, her mother Marjorie J. Rankin, her sister Marcy Karns and bother Richard Rankin Jr. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Eric Howard Francis. Her daughter Shawna Sargent and her son Bryan Sargent. Her grandchildren Paige, Kylie, Carlie, Bryar JR, and Crystal. Her sister's Dawn Rankin Carbo, Michelle Kissman, Megan Rankin, and Stevenie Rankin. Her brother Mark Rankin. Melanie had so much joy in her life. She worked alongside her husband for 20 years on the Fort Meade Golf Course. After the course closed, they lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland. They rarely left each other's side. They lived a quiet life with their 3 fur babies, Rampage, Rosie, and Remy. She loved to garden in their backyard and was always taking pictures of the flowers that would come out in spring. She loved to keep chickens. She loved to see the many critters and wildlife that would visit their pond in the backyard. Sitting out next to a bonfire at night watching the stars was a favorite activity of hers and her husband's. She always dreamed of moving to the countryside, living on a farm with many animals, surrounded by nature. Melanie attended high school in Oil City, PA where she excelled in sports. She especially enjoyed playing basketball the most. She was lifelong sports fan. She truly loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. She owned every piece of Steelers clothing and memorabilia she could find. For birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases, Melanie wanted something with the Steelers on it. She watched and cheered for every game. Melanie had that sweet infectious smile that always warmed the hearts of everyone she came in contact with. She will be greatly missed by everyone she loved and everyone that loved her. A celebration of life will be in May 2026 - Notifications will be sent out when times and plans are set.

Melanie Andree Francis

December 30, 1958 - February 15, 2026