Clifford & Frances Strine Family Scholarship Fund
The Clifford & Frances Strine Family Scholarship Fund honors the enduring legacy of Clifford and Frances Mae Strine, a Caledonia couple whose lives reflected a deep commitment to agriculture, education, family, faith, and service to their community.
Clifford was born in Waldo in 1910 and graduated from Waldo High School in 1928. A skilled carpenter, he learned the trade from his father and helped build homes in Waldo before turning his attention to farming. After marrying Frances Mae Kraner in 1938, the couple moved to her family’s farm, where Clifford continued farming well into his 90s.
Clifford’s determination and resilience inspired everyone who knew him. In 1954, he lost both hands in a farm accident, but refused to let that tragedy define his life. Using prosthetic hooks, he learned to perform nearly all of his farm chores and continued working the land for decades. He also became an inspiration and source of encouragement to others who had lost limbs.
Clifford had a lifelong passion for raising and showing cattle. In 1937, he became the first person from Marion County to show a Grand Champion Steer at the Ohio State Fair. His contributions to agriculture were recognized in 2000 when he received the Marion County Cattlemen Industry Award. He served on the Marion Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Claridon School Board and was a faithful member of Salem United Methodist Church.
Frances, born in Marion in 1912, was an accomplished educator whose career spanned more than 35 years. After graduating from Claridon High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from The Ohio State University. She taught at Waldo, New Bloomington, Claridon, and River Valley high schools, where she touched the lives of generations of students. She coached girls basketball, served as an FHA advisor and class advisor, directed school plays, and managed the Claridon school cafeteria.
Outside the classroom, Frances was deeply involved in her church and community. She served Salem United Methodist Church as a treasurer, historian, Sunday school teacher, and member of the United Methodist Women, among other roles. She was also active in the Homemakers Study Club and was especially well known for the pecan pies she made for church dinners.
Above all, Clifford and Frances cherished their family. They took great pride in following the accomplishments of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, supporting their activities in sports, music, school, 4-H, fairs, and church. Together, they shared nearly 70 years of marriage before Clifford’s death in 2008. Frances passed in 2014 at age 102.
The Strine family legacy continues through a scholarship established at Marion Community Foundation in 2017. While still in high school, their great-grandson, Josh Strine, chose to use a Christmas gift to honor his great-grandparents and create a permanent family legacy that would support future generations.
The Strine Scholarship supports graduating seniors from any high school in Marion County who have lived in the Marion area throughout their high school experience and are active in 4-H or FFA. Recipients must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2+ and pursue an education in agriculture or education.
Through the Strine Scholarship Fund, Clifford and Frances Strine’s devotion to agriculture, education, family, and community continues to make a difference—helping Marion County students pursue their dreams and carry those values forward.
