Kay Jean Franke

Kay Jean Franke, age 87, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on the evening of October 30, 2021.

Kay was born in Battle Creek, MI, on Friday, April 13 (her lucky day), 1934. Kay graduated from Hoagland High School in Hoagland, IN. She married Ray a year after she graduated and moved to Lafayette, IN to support him in his studies at Purdue University. Kay worked in banking and administration at various times in her life. She was happiest in her role as a wife and mother, where she made every day seem extraordinary, surprising her family with a picnic dinner at the park or a Friday night dinner of appetizers in front of the TV. She was a fantastic cook and hostess throwing legendary dinner parties with Ray. Family, friends (and children’s friends) were always welcome at their home.

Kay was involved in her communities in many ways. She appeared in community theater productions both on the stage and behind the scenes, where she met many of her best friends. Kay also volunteered at a youth theater troop, therapeutic riding stables, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. In addition, she enjoyed playing bridge with the Ocean Springs bridge group, board games, and puzzles; going to auctions and estate sales; boating and swimming; rooting for the Purdue Boilermakers and New Orleans Saints; and attending Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen Hobbs; her son, Steven Franke; and her brother, Maxwell Hobbs.

Kay is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 68 years, Ray Franke; her daughters, Cindy (Gerald) Yager and Tammi (Markus Giolas) Franke; her grandchildren, Brad Yager, Kara (Erik) Bende, Angie (Justin) Lewandowski, Joe Franke, MacKenzie Franke, Devon Franke, Jordan Franke, and Marsden Giolas; her great-grandchildren, Luca Bende and Liam Bende; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends and neighbors. She treasured every moment she spent with her family and friends.

The family would like to thank Sheila Baragar, and their neighbors in the Culeoka subdivision in Ocean Springs for their support and kindness.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a future date. Donations may be made in her name to LoveWay Therapeutic Equestrian Center at https://lovewayinc.org/.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Kay Jean Franke.