Kathleen Virginia Franke

May 17, 1935 – November 2, 2025

Kathleen Virginia Franke, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Spokane, Washington.

Raised in Butte, Montana, Kathleen moved to Spokane in 1953, where she built a long and meaningful life filled with compassion, dedication, and love for her family and friends.

In 1960, Kathleen pursued her calling in nursing and earned her LPN certification. She began her career with Dr. Barnett, a pediatrician, and after his passing in 1963, continued her nursing work with Dr. Don Miller, General Practitioner, for 12 years. Never one to stop learning, Kathleen returned to school in her forties and proudly completed her RN training at Deaconess School of Nursing. She went on to serve as a surgical nurse at Valley General Hospital in Spokane Valley until her retirement in 1998.

After retiring, Kathleen and her husband, Loren, embraced their love of travel and spent winters as snowbirds in Arizona. Kathleen was a talented quilter who created many beautiful quilts for those she loved. She had a soft spot for gnomes, night lights, and the simple joys of Oreo cookies with milk and graham crackers.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren Franke (2005), and her son, Lawrence J. Ryd (1987). She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Vara, and her son, Leon Ryd, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her warmth, humor, and caring spirit.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Kathleen’s life, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 as Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home in the Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice in her memory.