Frances Jean Mikolay

The family of Frances Jean Mikolay will have a Celebration of Life followed by a time of fellowship and remembrance at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.  She passed on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. We invite you to view the live-streamed services on this page and sign her virtual guestbook.On December 26, 1946, Frances Jean was born to Paul and Agnes Gates in Cleveland, OH. She is the youngest of 3 children and is proceeded in death by her parents and her sister Mary.  She is survived by her oldest brother Tom Gates of Kent Ohio.  She went to school at Mercy College in Detroit, MI, and graduated with a BS in Nursing.  She went on to become a Registered Nurse in 5 states.  She married the love of her life Robert Mikolay on May 25, 1968, in Cleveland, OH.  The two met when they were just 17 years old and were married as soon as Bob returned home from Vietnam.  They were happily married for 54 years.  Bob and Fran had 3 children, Ann, Matt, and Robert.  Family was the most important thing to Fran and she became a stay-at-home mom to the three children.  She thoroughly enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, art projects, and reading.  The family took many trips together all over the U.S. and made many happy memories of camping, gardening, and spending time together.  As much as she loved her husband and children, she was over the moon as her grandchildren arrived.  Her biggest smiles and laughs came when she spent time with her grandchildren as they grew into adults.  She formed special bonds with them and they all have fond memories of Grandma Mikolay and her snacks, games, and songs.  Although there were many happy memories, Fran also suffered health problems due to a stroke and she was called a fighter and tough cookie as she endured pain and difficulties.  She never complained and remained a gentle spirit throughout many ordeals.  She was taken care of so well by Bob for over 15 years.  He was such a good caregiver and she was such a gracious patient always apologizing and making sure Bob took care of himself as well.  Their marriage exemplified “For Better or For Worse” as they stuck by each other through thick and thin, good times and bad.  Fran was surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren when she passed on Tuesday.  Her last words were to tell everyone individually how much she loved them and to remind us all to “kiss the baby”, her newest additions to the family, great-grandchildren that she wanted to see every chance she could, even if it was just a picture.Survivors include her husband, Bob Mikolay; their children, Ann (Darrell) Kitten, Matthew (Kirsten) Mikolay, and Robert Mikolay; grandchildren, Kayleen (Kolton) Ehlers, Madison (Josh) Vega, Colette (Jacob) Vogt, and Mason Mikolay Konnor (Brittany) Weddige, Klair (Cole) Stowers, Kreg Weddige; great-grandchildren Lailyn Ehlers and Tavin Weddige, and brother, Thomas Gates.She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Gates; mother, Agnes Gates; and sister, Mary Anderson.