Anna Belle Franklin

Anna Belle Franklin, 85, of Granger, formerly of Elgin, passed away peacefully, Tuesday morning, February 25, 2020.  Affectionately and better known by her friends and family as “Ann,” was the last of eight children, born to Christina & Bruno Dybowski, on July 6, 1934, in Nopal, Texas.  She grew up on a farm, where her love for the outdoors and agrarian lifestyle were instilled as a young girl.  While attending secretarial school in San Antonio, she met the love of her life, John F. Franklin.  They were married in San Antonio on February 27, 1954.

She dedicated her life to raising three children in the central Texas area.  She and John retired in Granger, a dozen years ago, after spending many years on a farm outside of Elgin.  She loved her farm life on "Chapultepec", especially her cattle and geese.  Other wildlife captured her daily attention and awe, especially birds and butterflies.  Ann thrived on sharing her love of the outdoors with her five grandchildren. Her spare time was dedicated to local volunteerism with a soup kitchen and many church activities.   The move to Granger enabled her to devote her life to the tender loving care of her husband and his ongoing battle with Parkinson's.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lois and Elenore, brothers Edward, Jerry, Arthur Paul, and Johnny and a son-in-law, David H. Fischer.

She is survived by her husband, John F. Franklin (they were two days shy of celebrating their 66 wedding anniversary); her three children, daughter, Virginia A. Fischer of Georgetown, son, John F. Franklin, Jr. and wife, Charlotte of Uhland, and daughter, Valerie K. Franklin of Austin.; her five grandchildren, Shane and wife Sarah, Vrazel, Aaron Vrazel, Elizabeth Franklin, Theresa and husband Jason Pratt, Andrea and husband Donald Benson; her sister, Helen Tingley of Coudersport, PA; and numerous extend family and dear friends.

The family extends its grateful appreciation to Alice Griffith, who lovingly provided daily support in these final years.  Memorials can be made in Ann's name to your local food bank.

Family and Friends will gather at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for visitation, on Sunday, March 1st from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:00 PM.  Celebration of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Cross Cemetery of Yorktown, on Monday, March 2nd at 11:00 AM with Deacon Larry Dunne presiding.