Vicki Lynn Franks

Vicki Lynn Franks April 11, 1955 - April 26, 2021 East Wenatchee, Washington Vicki Lynn Franks, 66, passed away peacefully at home in East Wenatchee on Monday, April 26, 2021. She died from a sudden heart attack believed to have been brought on by her decades-long battle with diabetes. Born April 11, 1955 in Wenatchee, Washington, to Millon Jesse Simmonds and Frances Lucille ("Lu") Simmonds, she attended Wenatchee High School. Her parents were modern day gypsies. In the first 12 years of her life Vicki lived in Wenatchee, Minnesota, Ritzville and southern California. Finally, upon one of their numerous returns to Wenatchee, Vicki announced, "That's it. If you leave Wenatchee again, I'm staying here!" Vicki was a member of Wenatchee First Assembly of God, the Cat Fanciers Association, Serve Wenatchee and the Friendship Packing program of Wenatchee Valley, providing weekend meals to disadvantaged school children. Vicki was an enthusiastic teacher, beginning as a teacher's aide at Orchard Junior High. In her 40's, as a systems analyst at Boeing Aerospace, she helped develop systems used for parts tracking and inventory control during the manufacture of commercial and military aircraft. She then developed training materials and lesson guides for these systems and presented over a dozen classes to users of the systems. Vicki was also devoted to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and used her teaching skills to His purpose as the leader of a bible study group. She also loved animals. In her early teens she helped her mother, Lu, in the breeding of miniature poodles. In her 20's she briefly bred Doberman Pinschers. Then, in her 40's she joined the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). CFA and a love of Siamese cats proved to be a hobby she enjoyed with her husband, Mike. Vicki studied pedigrees and lineages, developing a long-term breeding program that culminated in a National Winner, GC, NW MVAble Mithril of DizzyPaws. Only 25 cats per year hold this title. Vicki lived with Mike in Renton, WA during their professional careers. When retirement was nearing, Mike mused about where he might like to retire. Vicki said, "I'll miss you. I'm going back to Wenatchee and the (Columbia) River." We moved back to East Wenatchee in 2014. Shortly after moving home Vicki found she needed more to do. She began working with multiple churches to assist in the Friendship Packing Program, aka, Backpack Program. This program provides weekend meals to disadvantaged school children in the Wenatchee Valley. Vicki's tasks included shopping for groceries, meal planning, organizing/managing crews to pack the bags each week and tracking and reporting the hours of the volunteers. Vicki also involved herself with Serve Wenatchee, recovering food from a local Safeway each week and delivering the food to Serve Wenatchee, the city jail, and the Powerhouse Ministries. Vicki was preceded in death by her parents Millon and Lu Simmonds. She is survived by her husband, Michael ("Mike") Franks of East Wenatchee, WA, brother, Randall Lee ("Randy") Simmonds of East Wenatchee, WA, nephew Michael ("Mike") Simmonds of Wenatchee, WA and niece Vicki Harless of East Wenatchee, WA. An outdoor memorial service will be held graveside, Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 10:00AM, at Wenatchee Cemetery, 1804 N. Western Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801. *** Vicki and Mike- Epic Love Story *** Vicki and Mike met in Wenatchee the summer of 1967. By 1969 they were deeply in love. Mike entered the Navy in 1970, and the relationship was put on hold. In 1979 Mike left the service, moving to Burien, WA. Vicki and Mike reconnected shortly thereafter with Vicki moving to Burien. She attended Griffin Business College and enjoyed successful careers at CX Corp. and Boeing. During the years apart Vicki experienced less than wonderful relationships with men. She was hesitant to enter into marriage. I lost count of the number of times I asked her to marry me - somewhere beyond 240. When she finally said "yes" I was on the top of a ladder. God saved me from falling and breaking my neck. We were wed Valentine's Day, 1983, in Bellevue District Court by Judge Melvin V. Love (note the initials M and V). Our love is eternal and unqualified. *** Weep Not For Me *** Weep not for me though I have gone Into that gentle night Grieve if you will, but not for long Upon my soul's sweet flight I am at peace, my soul's at rest There is no need for tears For with your love I was so blessed For all those many years There is no pain, I suffer not The fear is now all gone Put now these things out of your thoughts In your memory, I live on Remember not my fight for breath Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death But celebrate my life (Constance Jenkins) Psalm 139:5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.

Vicki Lynn Franks

April 10, 1955 - April 26, 2021