Wiladean E. Franks-Depew

FORT WAYNE — Wiladean E. Franks-Depew passed away on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Fort Wayne, at the age 95. She was born on April 24, 1917 in Noble County to Claude & Tillie (Elijah) Conrad. After graduating from Wawaka High School she married Ford Franks in Greenfield on March 28, 1937. He preceded her in death in 1992. On July 11, 1999, she married Monroe “Tony” DePew at the Ligonier United Methodist Church in Ligonier, he preceded her in death in 2004. Wiladean had been a member of the Cosperville Baptist Church, the Wawaka United Methodist Church and the Ligonier United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Lions' Club Auxiliary had volunteered in many capacities including serving as a precinct committee woman during elections. Wiladean was a dedicated homemaker, helped on the family farm and also worked in the cafeteria at Wawaka High School and later West Noble High School. Above all she had a deep love for her family and greatly enjoyed her time with them. She is survived by two children, Gary (Susan) Franks of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Patricia (Robert) Jones of Fort Wayne, a sister, Maxine Wilson of Florida; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held in Wiladean’s honor at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767 on Wednesday Nov, 21, 2012, at noon with Pastor David Brandts officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier. Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the beginning of the funeral service on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ligonier United Methodist Church, 466 Townline Road; Ligonier, IN 46767.