On Saturday, March 7, we said goodbye to our beloved Francelle “Fran” Calkins. Fran was born in Mount Vernon, South Dakota in 1920. She married Floyd “Tucker” Calkins, a highly decorated World War II Air force pilot in 1944 and shortly after that, they moved to Auburn, Washington. The couple raised two sons, John and Paul.

Fran was a Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher for over 30 years, which included time in both South Dakota and Auburn. She was the 100th teacher to be hired in the Auburn School District. Fran loved children and often volunteered to read in elementary classrooms until a few years ago.

Fran was also very involved in community service. Fran was a part of the Children’s Hospital Guild where she dedicated her time volunteering at the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center for over 50 years and Children’s Thrift Store in Kent for over 60 years. She received the Anna Clise award, for her volunteerism, leadership and commitment to the mission of Children’s Hospital. Fran was very involved in her church where she was a part of the PEO and taught Sunday School for many years. She volunteered her time at the White River Valley Museum well into her 90’s. Fran was recognized for her years of service to the community in 2008 when she received the Citizen of the Year award from the City of Auburn.

Fran lived a beautiful 99 years and she made every minute of those 99 years count. Fran had a huge heart and strived to make a positive impact in this world with any chance she was given.

Fran is survived by her two children, Paul and John, as well as her 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren as well as many other “adopted” family members along the way including one of her many foreign exchange students Kiyomi Otani who became like an adopted daughter.

There will be a Memorial Service for Fran some time in May for friends and family to attend.