Laura Ruth Franklin

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Laura Ruth Franklin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on October 29, 2022, in Texas at the age of 90.

Laura was born on July 25, 1932, in Ohio, to William and Ruth Stirling, during her childhood, her family relocated to Torrance, California, where she graduated from Torrance High School. While working as an usher at the local movie theater, she met the love of her life, Wallace “Wally” Franklin. Their chance meeting began a lifelong love story, and they were soon married.

Together, Laura and Wally built a beautiful life centered on family and hard work, as a devoted homemaker and mother of four, Laura dedicated herself to raising her children while also playing an active role in her husband’s many business adventures. Throughout the years, she served as a bookkeeper, receptionist, manager, and trusted partner. She also was an accomplished seamstress at the family clothing manufacturing business.

In 2005, Laura and Wally retired to Frisco, Texas to be closer to their children and growing family. Laura found joy in many creative pursuits, including needle paint, tatting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, crafting, and coin collecting. She was especially known for making slippers for family and friends, gifts that were treasured by all who received them. She also enjoyed bird watching and spending time with her loved ones.

Laura possessed a special gift with children; young people naturally gravitated toward her warm and nurturing spirit. Throughout her life, she lovingly helped care for and help raise numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, creating lasting memories and strong family bonds. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spoiling her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth Stirling; her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Dee Stirling; brother, Gene Stirling; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Kaye Franklin; brother-in-law, Don; sisters-in-law Peggy, Maxine, and Ramia.

She is survived by her children: Catherine Robertson of Frisco, Texas; Leslie Haynes and husband Jim of Poteau, Oklahoma; Laurie Durbin and husband Terry of Dallas, Texas; Brian Franklin and wife Richelle of Celina, Texas. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Sherry and husband Charlie; sister-in-law, Judy Allison and husband Harold; brother-in-law, John Franklin; sister-in-law, Shirley Stirling; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Laura legacy of love, generously to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched and will never be forgotten.

A joint memorial and celebration will be held for Wally and Laura Franklin at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, Oklahoma with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived. To view Laura’s online guestbook, www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.