Avanelle G. Franke Obituary (1934 - 2023)

Avanelle Franke was born on June 24, 1934, the second child to Leonard and BeulahGallagher of Graham, Missouri. Avanelle's childhood and school years were marked byher outgoing personality where she enjoyed participating in activities and sportsincluding basketball and the majorette team.Following her graduation from school she relocated to Maryville, Missouri where sheworked at the local bank and where she would ultimately meet the love of her life,Jimmie Franke. Despite being stood up for their first blind date, Avanelle gave Jimmieanother chance and they, along with another young couple, made a trek across the state toattend a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on tickets she had obtained from the bank.Avanelle and Jimmie hit it off and the rest was history. They married February 20, 1955.Avanelle and Jimmie would make a few moves before finally settling down to establish ahome in St. Louis, Missouri. Along the way they expanded their family first with thebirth of their son, Jerol D. Franke, followed by the birth of their daughter, Janelle K.Franke. Avanelle continued to work in the banking industry serving as executiveassistant to the President of United Missouri Bank while Jimmie established a long andrewarding military career followed by civil service.Fulfilling their dream of retirement in the sun with beautiful views, golf for Jimmie, andfewer allergens for Avanelle, the couple found their oasis in Tucson buying their dreamhome on the 9 th hole in Sun City, Oro Valley. Avanelle and Jimmie were able to enjoytheir retirement dreams in that home for approximately twenty-five years where theycould hand feed their cardinal birds, watch the steady stream of wildlife parade behind(and sometimes on or through) their backyard fence, and take in the stunning mountainviews.As the years brought changes, the couple most recently moved to All Seasons Oro Valleywhere Avanelle quickly established new bonds with some of the special caregivers thatcame into their lives.Avanelle had an infectious and telling laugh and giggle. She was quiet and calm yet anextremely wise and strong woman. She was known for the twinkle in her blue eyes andwarm smile. She was a genuinely kind, caring woman as just about everyone that hashad the pleasure of crossing paths with her can attest to.Never one to complain, nobody could find a silver lining quite like Avanelle. Lovingwife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many she will bemissed here on earth and celebrated as she joins her loved ones before her in heaven.