Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Anna Marie Theresa Franklin was called home by our Lord on Sept. 4, 2011, and took her final sunset ride home to Hood River from the Oregon Veterans Home.
Anna was born on Aug. 7, 1930, in Fort Collins, Colo.; she was the second of six children born to Everett N. Yockey Sr. and Bernice Della (Howard) Yockey. Anna was raised and educated in Chico, Calif., and moved to Hood River, Ore., in 1963 where she met and married Kenneth Franklin who became her soulmate and lifelong friend on Sept 11, 1965.
Anna was preceded in death by her mother and father, son Lonnie Ver Valen, brother Everett Yockey Jr., sisters Caroline Ruth Palmer and Neva Patricia Gidley and her beloved companion Callie.
Anna is survived by her husband of 46 years, Kenneth, of Hood River, Ore.; sons Robert Jones, of Hood River, and Clarence "Chuck" Ver Valen, of Madras, Ore.; sisters Linda Gidley, of Chico, Calif., and Judith Gidley, of Pasco, Wash.; brother Daniel Yockey, of Modesto, Calif., and three stepsons, Doug, David and Bill Franklin; granddaughter Christina Ver Valen and two great-granddaughters, Cherish and Cayla, of Madras, Ore.; grandsons Ricky Ver Valen, of Montana, and Wayland Helmer, of Salem, Ore. Anna is also survived and loved by her many nieces and nephews, who called her Aunt Sissy.
Anna Marie and Kenneth made their home in the Hood River Valley for more than 40 years. Together they established "The Berry Brier" and produced some of the best berries and peaches to ever be sold in the Hood River Valley.
Anna was an entrepreneur before the word became fashionable and a Master Gardener; she knew everything there was to know about plants and trees. She enjoyed making jelly, baking pies and cakes and always had a berry pie around the house.
Anna was an avid bird watcher and could tell you everything you ever wanted to know about all the many birds that flew into her garden.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Anna's Life on Sunday, Sept. 11, at noon at her home in The Garden, located at 4243 Post Canyon Drive, Hood River.
Memorials are encouraged in memory of Anna to Heart of Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
To plant a tree in memory of Anna Franklin as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
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