Jennifer Jean "Jenny" Frank , 69, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in hospice care at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.

Born March 22, 1957, in Whitley County, she was the child of the late William A. and Betty Jean (Pence) Meyers. Jenny was the oldest of her father's children with his second wife, Betty (his first wife, Lilyan F. Pence, died in 1939). She grew up on a turkey farm in Washington Township, just north of Peabody on Meridian Road, and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1975.

While briefly attending St. Francis College and studying special education, she met her future husband, David Paul Frank, at a Christian youth group. In 1977, they were married, and the couple resided in Fort Wayne for several years before moving back to Columbia City to raise their family. Jenny prioritized being a mom and was proud to have raised her four children.

Faith was very important to Jenny, and she enjoyed participating in various church communities over the years. At different points in her life, she was a member of the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Beacon Heights and Blue River Churches of the Brethren, and the Columbia City United Methodist Church. She spent much of her adult life as a member of the Columbia City Church of the Brethren, where she was known for playing the organ on Sundays.

Jenny always loved playing the organ, and would have sing-alongs at home when her children were younger. In the latter half of her life, playing the piano at Miller's brought her and the other residents much joy. She also enjoyed creative writing, especially poetry. In fact, after her cancer diagnosis, the "writer in her" insisted she immediately jot down the details of her funeral service.

Jenny is survived by her children, Adelle (Elizabeth Valera) Frank of Clarkston, GA, Rachel (Ravish Bhasin) Frank of Woolwich, ME, Jonathan Frank of Columbia City, and Tabitha (David) Kethcart of South Whitley; her older sister, Barbara (Bayard) McNagny of Rogersville, MO; her younger sister, Lisa (Gary) Nierman of Columbia City; and her younger brother, Michael (Anne) Meyers of Columbia City.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2022; her older brother, William "Billy" L. Meyers in 2023; her parents; her paternal grandparents, William Edward and Mary Adele (Stouffs) Meyers; and her maternal grandparents, Heber J. Pence and Carrie Belle (Long) Raypole.

In honor of Jenny, there will be a Celebration of Life held at the Columbia City Church of the Brethren (112 N Washington St, Columbia City) on Saturday, June 27, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a service at 12 p.m.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations directly to the Columbia City Church of the Brethren.