Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frances Struewing (often Fran Struewing DeWine) |
| Birth Place | Yellow Springs, Ohio |
| Marriage Year | 1967 |
| Spouse | Mike DeWine |
| Children | Eight (Pat, Alice, Jill, Mark, John, Brian, Rebecca (deceased), Anna) |
| Education | Miami University, Bachelor’s in Individual and Family Studies (1971) |
| Known For | Wife of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio First Lady |
Early Life and Education
Frances Struewing grew up in the quaint town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, a place where small-town roots run deep like ancient oaks. Born into the Struewing family, she navigated childhood with siblings who shaped her early world. Yellow Springs, known for its progressive vibe, offered a backdrop of community and simplicity. There, in first grade, she met Mike DeWine, a chance encounter that would blossom into a lifelong partnership.
Her education unfolded at Miami University, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies, graduating in 1971. This field mirrored her future life, focused on nurturing bonds. Amid lectures and campus life, her romance with Mike deepened. They shared classes, dreams, and eventually vows. Short sentences capture the essence: Met young. Studied hard. Built foundations.
The university years were pivotal. Frances balanced academics with budding love, her studies equipping her for the family-centric path ahead. Miami University, with its red-brick charm, became a symbol of her achievements. In May 2025, it honored her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, alongside Mike, recognizing their contributions. This accolade, bestowed during a spring ceremony, highlighted her journey from student to influential figure.
Marriage and Partnership
On June 3, 1967, Frances Struewing married Mike DeWine, transforming childhood affection into a marital bond as solid as Ohio’s bedrock. The wedding marked the start of a shared odyssey through politics and family. Mike’s career ascended: U.S. Representative from 1983 to 1991, U.S. Senator from 1995 to 2007, Ohio Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, and Governor since 2019. Through it all, Frances stood by, a quiet force amid the political whirlwind.
Their union spanned over 58 years by 2025, a testament to endurance. Frances adapted to the demands of public life, hosting events and supporting campaigns. Her role evolved with Mike’s positions, especially as First Lady during his governorship. She participated in initiatives focused on families, her presence a calming anchor in stormy legislative seas. Numbers define the timeline: Married at 1967. Eight children born. Decades of service.
Interviews reveal her perspective. Frances often recounts their first-grade meeting with warmth, likening it to a storybook tale. Their partnership blended personal devotion with public duty, creating a family resilient against scrutiny. Varied rhythms marked their days: Quiet mornings at home. Bustling evenings at events. Unwavering commitment throughout.
The DeWine Children: A Large and Diverse Family
Frances and Mike raised eight children, a brood that filled their home with laughter, challenges, and profound bonds. Each child carved unique paths, reflecting the nurturing environment Frances fostered. Tragedy struck in 1993 when daughter Rebecca died in a car accident at age 22, a loss that reshaped the family like a sudden storm.
Pat DeWine, also known as Richard Patrick, serves as a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court. Elected in 2016, he brings legal acumen to the bench, his career echoing his father’s political legacy. Alice DeWine appears in family gatherings, her life quieter but integral to the clan. Jill DeWine, another daughter, contributes to family narratives through shared stories and support.
Mark DeWine, a son, maintains a low profile yet features in family mentions. John DeWine, similarly, adds to the sibling dynamic with his presence. Brian DeWine involves himself in business ventures, notably the family’s acquisition of the Asheville Tourists baseball team in 2019, a minor-league outfit that blends sport with investment. Anna DeWine rounds out the group, her role highlighted in biographical accounts.
The family tree extends further. With grandchildren numbering in the dozens—over 20 by recent counts—the DeWines embody generational continuity. Frances’s influence permeates these layers, her emphasis on unity a guiding light. Short bursts of family life: Holidays crowded. Milestones celebrated. Memories cherished.
Public Role and Civic Engagements
As Ohio’s First Lady, Frances Struewing DeWine embodies grace in the public sphere, her activities a mosaic of advocacy and appearance. She hosts events at the Governor’s Residence, welcoming dignitaries and citizens alike. Her focus on family-oriented issues drives participation in nonprofit work, from education to health initiatives. Profiles portray her as approachable, her smile a bridge between government and people.
Civic duties include ribbon-cuttings, speeches, and community outreach. In 2019, she joined Mike in addressing state challenges, her voice adding warmth to policy discussions. No separate corporate career defines her; instead, her contributions flow through familial and public channels. Achievements accumulate subtly: Honorary degrees in 2025. Media features in 2019. Ongoing event appearances.
Social media offers glimpses. Posts on Instagram and Facebook mark personal milestones, like the passing of her brother John in 2023 at age 72, or her mother Mary Elizabeth in 2022 at 95. These entries blend grief with gratitude, humanizing her role. Frances’s public life, though tied to Mike’s, shines with independent poise. Metaphors fit: A supporting pillar. A blooming garden amid politics.
Recent Honors and Activities
In May 2025, Miami University awarded Frances an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, a nod to her lifelong impact. The ceremony on May 17 celebrated her alongside Mike, drawing alumni and officials. This honor, her second from the institution after her 1971 degree, underscored her educational roots.
Recent activities include interviews on public radio, where she discussed her journey from first-grade sweetheart to First Lady. These conversations, aired in 2019 and revisited, reveal anecdotes of resilience. Family business ventures, like the baseball team purchase, involve her indirectly, fostering community ties.
Social posts continue. A 2024 Facebook entry expressed prayers for national figures, reflecting her compassionate stance. Event coverage captures her at galas and memorials, her presence steady. Dates anchor the narrative: Degree in 2025. Interviews ongoing. Life in motion.
FAQ
Who is Frances Struewing’s spouse?
Frances Struewing is married to Mike DeWine, the Governor of Ohio and a longtime politician who has served in various roles including U.S. Senator and Attorney General.
When did Frances Struewing marry Mike DeWine?
They married on June 3, 1967, after meeting in first grade and dating through their time at Miami University.
How many children do Frances and Mike DeWine have?
The couple has eight children: Pat, Alice, Jill, Mark, John, Brian, Rebecca (who passed away in 1993), and Anna.
What is Pat DeWine’s profession?
Pat DeWine serves as a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, continuing the family’s involvement in public service.
What education did Frances Struewing receive?
She graduated from Miami University in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the same university in May 2025.
What is known about Rebecca DeWine?
Rebecca DeWine was one of their daughters who tragically died in a car accident in 1993 at the age of 22.
What public role does Frances Struewing hold?
As Ohio’s First Lady, she participates in civic events, nonprofit engagements, and family-focused initiatives alongside her husband.
