Charlene (Fanning) Franks

March 18, 1947 – August 3, 2022

Posted

MITCHELL, Neb. – Charlene (Fanning) Franks, 75, passed away on Aug. 3, 2022.

She was born to Clarence and Lorraine Fanning of Mitchell. She grew up in Mitchell and attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Denver and the University of Phoenix later in life.

She worked as a nurse and hospital administrator for most of her career in Nebraska, Colorado and California. She was multi-talented and successfully ran a farm/cattle operation in her later years in Lyman.

She was an accomplished hot air balloon pilot, loved the outdoors, animals, gardening, music, dancing, reading books, family vacations, various sports, going to the movies, her grandchildren and travel. She was also known to be a bit of a prankster. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Dan Franks, her two children, Nikki Whitaker and Dr. Ted vonBitner, grandchildren Chris Pool and wife Melissa, Alex Pool, Ted vonBitner and Nick vonBitner. Stepchildren Shelly Ayers and husband Peter, Sheila Williams and husband Jason, Chad Franks, Grandchildren Mackenzie Sherer and husband Ben, Kelsey Boulter and Cooper Franks. A Celebration of Life open house will be held at the Scenic Knolls Golf Course in Mitchell on Sept. 17 from 2-4 p.m.