Obituary of Frances K. Zeh

Frances Zeh (formerly Rieber) of Rock Hill, NY, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died peacefully at home on April 14, 2024 at the age of 69.

A proud native of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, her family moved to Wurtsboro in 1968.  She graduated from Monticello High School in 1972 and started her career as a clerk at Sullivan County Gas.  She was later employed for many years by the Monticello Central School District as a school nurse at the George L. Cooke School and Emma C Chase School which was her true labor of love. 

Later in life Fran found her greatest joy with her boundless love of her eight grandchildren.  She loved each of them “to the moon and back” and they were forever affectionately known as “her babies.”

Fran is survived by her three sons, Sean (Rachel) Rieber of Rock Hill and their children Jake, Riley, and Delaney; Brian (Jennifer) Rieber of Apalachin and their daughter Madison; and Keith (Megan) Rieber of Middletown and their daughters Abigail, Leah, Sage, and Emma.  She is also survived by her siblings Ernest Zeh, Louis Zeh, William (Peggy) Zeh, Edward Zeh, Daniel Zeh, and sister Marilyn Zeh, along with countless nieces and nephews.  Fran is also survived by her high-school sweetheart and former husband William Rieber Jr. of Rock Hill.  Fran was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Zeh Jr., a retired NYPD police officer and retired Director of Security for the former Horton Hospital, and Agnes Notofrancesco Zeh, a homemaker, along with her brother Richard Zeh, sisters-in-law Elaine Zeh, Kathy Zeh, Ann Marie Zeh, Arlene Zeh, and Kristine Zeh, and a nephew Billy Zeh.

Fran was a Charter Member of the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps where she volunteered for many years as an Emergency Medical Technician.  She was also a prolific instructor of CPR and First Aid classes, educating hundreds of first responders and community members throughout Sullivan County.  She was also recognized by the American Red Cross for her many hours of volunteer service at disasters including in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack.  Her dedication of service to others continued with her becoming a longtime caregiver to her beloved stepmother, Helen Curcio Zeh, whom her father married after the passing of her mother Agnes.

Fran will forever be remembered as a kind soul, her dedication to others, love and devotion to her family, for her many lifelong friendships and, if she found you disagreeable, the Brooklyn came out, telling you to “stick it where the sun don’t shine!!”

If you would like to honor Fran’s memory, please consider donating to the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 1, Rock Hill, NY 12775.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am on Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 180 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro with Fr. Peter Madori officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wurtsboro. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello.  For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com