Frances Ellen (Knighten) Michael

Frances Ellen (Knighten) Michael, 74, of Dayton, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her home.

She was born on April 29, 1952, and was a daughter of the late Frederick Knighten and Margaret Catherine (Whetzel) Knighten.

Frances had worked multiple years in the poultry industry. She retired from Montecello housekeeping, later becoming a private caregiver.

Frances enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a great cook and loved animals. Frances was known as a kind soul.

Frances is survived by three children, Wendy Earls (Kerry), Chasity Bowers (Tim), Josh Michael (Jenny Long); two brothers, Galen Knighten and Richard Ritchie; seven grandchildren, Dustin Michael (Phylicia), Kaitlyn Hall (Isaac), Brooklyn Michael (Evan Lambert), Adia Pitsenbarger (Ian), Peyton Michael (Katie Forosisky), Jadien Bowers, and Cooper Michael soon to be; six great grandchildren, Roran, Ellie, Jagger, McKenna, Beckett, and one on the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Caroline Runion and three brothers, Billy Whetzel, Freddie Whetzel, and Steve Knighten.

No services are planned at this time.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia.