Kathleen Ellen Franks was born December 17, 1925 to Archie and Grace Crawford. Her father was an Irish immigrant and a shipbuilder and her mother was a Canadian immigrant and a school teacher. She had one brother, Robert Crawford who was a preacher and was killed in WWII. She lived in West Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School, and then going on to graduate from Business College. She worked as a secretary in the insurance business and later for the Seattle School District for many years.
She met Harvey Franks at the age of 19 at church in West Seattle when Harvey was in the Navy. They were married on January 13, 1946. They lived in West Seattle, Bellevue and North Seattle. They enjoyed many years of a strong and loving marriage. Harvey passed away at the age of 69. Kathleen was a wonderful mother to three children, Steve, Allan and Mary. She was very involved in her children’s lives at school, athletics and with music. Kathleen was the grandmother to Carrie, Melissa, Debbie, and Kristine. She was great-grandmother to Dalan, Leah, Lexi, Rowan, Jude, Violet, Silas, Silvia, and Ellis. She was so loving and affectionate toward her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She prayed fervently for each of them with unconditional love and concern.
She was always very involved in church, playing the piano and organ, and also involved in various other ministries for many years at Bethany Baptist Church. She later joined Northshore Community Church and was very involved in WOW and other ministries.
In her many years as a widow she lived in Bothell and at Crista Senior Community. She always had many friends around her from all walks of life and seasons of life. Her long list of friends came from her school days, churches, work, book clubs, women’s groups, Bible Studies and her life at Crista. She was a dear friend to all, genuinely caring about and praying for all of her friends unceasingly.
She enjoyed music and was a skilled pianist and organist. She was an excellent cook. She loved flowers, walking and bike riding, traveling with her husband, close relationships with friends, visits with her family, and was an avid reader.
Kathleen died at the age of 92 on April 6, 2018. Her faith in her Lord through all of life’s ups and downs left an eternal heritage that everyone who knew her cherishes. She loved the Lord with all her heart. Her hope, delight, and strength were in Him. She will be greatly missed by us all and her memory and legacy will be treasured.
Donations in memory of Kathleen may be made to:
Northshore Community Church - 10301 N.E. 145th St. Kirkland, WA 98034
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