Janet Rae (Crawford) Franklin

Janet Rae (Crawford) Franklin, 92, of Columbia, MO, passed away on April 23rd, 2022.  She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Dean Franklin, whom she met at Cheney High School in Washington State, as well as her sister, Joan (Crawford) Odell, of Spokane, WA. She was born in Colfax, WA, and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle.  She was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority. One of her greatest adventures was bicycling through Europe after college with her sorority sisters. She raised her four children in San Diego, CA where she played an active role in all of their sporting events and school activities. She established the first library at Kate Sessions Elementary where her children were students. She helped initiate the 30-foot height limit on buildings and hotels along the San Diego coastline, which is still in effect today. She was an avid tennis fan, both playing and observing. She enjoyed lunch twice a week with the “tennis ladies” at Murry’s Restaurant for 30+ years. She co-founded and ran Tour Tyme which served the University in offering tours of the campus, Columbia, and Jefferson City. Upon Dean’s retirement, they had an understanding, he would go with her to the Australian Open every January and she would spend the summers with him in their RV traveling the West Coast attending bluegrass festivals. She enjoyed cross stitch and knitting and made beautiful pictures, pillows, and portraits of the family.

She is survived by her sons: Dean Franklin (Deborah) of St. Louis, MO, Tom Franklin (Lisa) of Mt. Hood, OR, Chris Franklin (Maryland) of Ann Arbor, MI, and daughter, Ann Franklin of Columbia, MO; grandchildren Christopher Frances, Thomas Manders (Nicole Riedel), Abigail Janet (Michael James Allen), Cooper Dean, and Ellie Danielle; as well as adoring pups Smush and Tiny.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a later date.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and true friend.  Her infectious laugh and kind nature will be missed by any and all who crossed her path.  She would be the first one to tell you “It’s been a great run, kiddo!”