Mildred Franklin

Mildred “Millie” Franklin, 85 joined her husband, Jim Franklin in heaven on Friday, February 22nd. Millie was the beloved mother of seven, and sister of Dick (Peggy) Piercy. She is survived by her children, Edwin Joseph, Linda (Steve) Knuth, June Heyn, Beverly (James) Kotyuk, Rebecca Reeves, Elizabeth (Ed) Joseph-Mohr, Tom (Kelly) Joseph, and step children Brenda Franklin and Steve Franklin. She also is survived by 13 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Millie had a varied life moving to St. Joseph from Ohio, and then to Benton Harbor with her first husband, Richard “Joe” Joseph. She held many jobs in her life, working at Whirlpool in the kitchen and Midwest Timer. She also volunteered at the American Legion Post #105 Auxiliary and Partners without Partners. Her favorite hobbies were bowling, crocheting, sewing, quilting, canning, flower gardening and mowing her lawn on her riding mower along with her many trips to Vegas to play the slots. A cherished project of hers was making quilts for each of her children as Christmas gifts When Jim was transferred with Clark Equipment Co. they moved to North Carolina for several years, only to return to Benton Harbor after Jim’s retirement. Millie will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Millie and her family appreciated the care she was given at Orchard Grove and Royalton Manor over the past several years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Dr. J.O. Hosler officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit Tuesday February 26, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #105 or a charity of their choice. Those wishing to sign Millie’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Millie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her son-in-law Bill Heyn, and a step son Joseph Franklin.