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BORN
1924
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
MARY FRANKE Obituary
She started teaching at Bishop Union High School, where she would eventually become the Principal. She was a champion of the arts at Bishop Union High School, and was presented the distinguished Bravo Award for the Arts, for her work in that area. In addition, she was a close friend of author Ray Bradbury, whose love of the Owens Valley brought him to Bishop many times and resulted in his involvement with the High School. She finished her career in education as the Superintendant of Big Pine Unified School District. In her role as an educator in the Owens Valley, she was known for her positive attitude and her no-nonsense management of school affairs. She was always very supportive of the youth in Bishop and she had a special gift of finding the best in everyone. She continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her as an educator, and those who were part of her large circle of friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Lou Franke, in 2007, Mary had the opportunity to travel and live in different parts of the world including Ohio, Indiana, Southern California, Reno, NV, Switzerland and Taiwan, but ultimately returned home to Bishop, where she lived out the rest of her long and rich life, first on Academy Ave. just up the street from the school she so loved, and finally, at Sterling Heights, where she was extremely well cared for by the exceptional staff. In her later years, Mary always felt that the community of Bishop had become her second family, and she was embraced by its love and support. She is survived by her only remaining sibling, Sister Angela Betsch, of Indiana; her grandson, David Franke and his wife, Kristina, of Los Angeles, CA; her niece, Julie Weckworth (Betsch); her husband, Byron and their son, Cassius, of Montana. Finally, she is survived by the members of the Betsch family and its many factions, the entire community of Bishop, many of whom will always consider her to be one of the family and her many dear and close friends all over the world. She will be missed by all, and her memory will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune to know her.
Services will be held on April 9 at Brune Mortuary, 325 W. Elm St., Bishop, CA at 11:00AM
to be followed by a celebration of her life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARY FRANKE
Sponsored by Brune Mortuary.
Lars Büntjen
March 3, 2022
After all these years it becomes even more apparent how important the AFS work was and still is. Mary Franke´s engagemant for peace in this world lives on through all the students she hosted in her school.
Chiara, Elena and Lars
Selma Calnan
March 26, 2017
I read about Mary's passing in the current issue of the March issue of the "The Pulse," the California Retired Teacher's Association. I had not taught since hen we became kindred spirits for the five years I lived in Bishop and wrote "The Best is Yet to Be' for the Inyo Register. She had approached me to edit her biography but after the first reading it was obvious that no one could speak for her.
I had to move to Anaconda, Montana for family reasons in 2012 and her busy life went on without me. I do hope that her biography is published and covers her years of service as a nun before entering and improving the secular world for all who knew her. I only wish I had kept a copy.
Kathy (Hilburn) Morris
February 19, 2017
I am just stumbling across this news today and I am deeply saddened by the news of Mary's passing. I knew her as Mrs. Franke --- my 9th grade English teacher at Mulholland Jr. High School in Van Nuys, CA. She inspired me, she encouraged me and she befriended me. I was lucky enough to visit her in Bishop and introduce her to my children and husband. She was still the same, kind, gracious woman I remembered. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Ilsa BuBois
May 25, 2016
We met Mary in 2013 and loved her immediately. She became a dear friend. We visited her a couple of times each week and we always left with a smile on our faces. She became a dear friend and we felt that whe'd known her for ever. When we moved back to utah we felt sad to realize that we'd have to say goodbye to Mary. She always made lemonade out of the lemons life handed her. Maybe that's why my lemon cookies were her favorite. So sad That you are gone from here but so happy to know you are now reunited with your sweetheart Lou. We love you so much. Steve and ilsa DuBois.
Mike Memory
March 26, 2016
As a nephew of Mary Franke, it is very comforting to read the condolences posted here. I visited Uncle Lou & Aunt Mary in Bishop on several occasions. And, I will visit Wonderful Bishop, CA again for the Memorial on April 9. Lou & Mary were very dear to so many people in many locations. While it's sad for all of us to know that she no longer lives in Bishop, it's true that The Lord received one of his Angels home! And, you can bet Uncle Lou is there to meet her.
Lars Büntjen
March 22, 2016
To meet Mary Franke during my high school year in Bishop/California 31 years ago was an experience that will stay with me. She was one of the driving forces of the AFS Programm in Bishop at that time. She probably assisted in several hundred exchange experiences over the decades.
She was very approachable and helpful to all these foreigners coming to Bishop to learn about the United States and thus helped to make this world a better place.
Last year I had the privelige to introduce my family to her. We are an italian german couple and have a nine year old daughter. After thirty years Mary remebered many details of my high school year and told us the story how she had become friends with Ray Bradbury, which I had not heared in detail before. She expressed how much she loved Bishop and the mountains and how happy she was to be there. So were we.
Lars Büntjen
Elena Orsini
Chiara Orsini
Jonathan McLeod
March 18, 2016
Mary Franke lived her life well. She had strong convictions which informed how she conducted herself and how she related to others--always with generosity and compassion. She taught us all, with inspiration!
Nantawan and Jonathan McLeod
San Diego, California
Noll Richardson
March 15, 2016
Mary was a friend for over thirty years, and it's so sad to lose her. We met through the AFS student exchange program and stayed connected. Lou was also a friend, someone I hung around with at the Chevron station on Main Street. When Mary and Lou retired and started taking trips in their gigantic motor home, Mary confided that she was worried that if an accident occurred she wouldn't be able to drive for help in the small car they towed as she didn't know how to drive a stick shift. So, unknown to Lou, we embarked on driving lessons, and one evening Mary triumphantly drove my stick shift Honda into their driveway, to Lou's amazement. We were still laughing over that the last time we met, a few years ago at Schat's. What a wonderful person she was.
Christian Dinesen
March 15, 2016
Have you ever had a person in your life that made you feel special or/and had a great impact on you?
Mary Franke, my principal at High School was such a person, a grand lady, with a great heart and caring personality.
We exchanged flags at graduation and it was a memorable moment. It is is still in the study hall next to the Libary at BUHS and started a great tradition for the following exchange students.
RIP Ms. Franke, you made a difference for me, in my life as an exchange student far away from home and made me feel safe and welcome.
Exhangestudent, AFS 1985-86 from Denmark
joyce boyle
March 14, 2016
so many wonderful memories of Aunt Mary...she was a lovely woman and we will miss her...
Sister Rachel West
March 14, 2016
Mary was a great woman, a wonderful colleague as a high school teacher, and had the most amazing sense of humor. I will miss her. Peace and all good, Mary.
Marla Jackson
March 14, 2016
A wonderful educator and so supportive of her students, whom she genuinely cared for. She remains one of the most influential educators of my life. She ensured we had as many educational experiences outside of school, such as the King Tut exhibit in 1977/1978. Mrs. Franke, you will always be fondly remembered by this BUHS graduate. My condolences to her family.
Debbie Nelsen
March 12, 2016
I'm so happy I had the chance to talk to Mary a week before she passed at Jacks. I met Mary through Lou years ago. they both were very special people , and I'm thrilled that they are together again....
Liz Eastham
March 11, 2016
I will always be appreciative and indebted to Mrs. Franke for giving me a sense of self; a feeling that yes, I can write and express my feelings/opinions and what I write matters and is important. I am grateful that I had the great fortune of having had her as a teacher. Mrs. Franke had the warmest smile; she was a character - one that cannot be summed up in a paragraph or two. Thank you, Mrs. Franke, for being one of the best and most memorable teachers I ever had. Holden Caufield had nothing on you! (Inside joke, she would get it!)
Karen Schubert McCahan
March 11, 2016
I was a student of Ms Franke's, she was my principal. Those were not always easy times for me, and I wasn't always the best student, but I remember she was very kind, and helpful to me. I always remember her fondly when I think back to those high school days. We were lucky to have her. She will be missed. Sending prayers of comfort for her family.
Stephanie Debaptiste
March 11, 2016
I met Mary when she moved into Sterling Heights when I worked there. She was an amazing person with such great stories. She said to me one time " if I told you I was 89 you wouldn't believe me" and I didn't. She was full of energy and always smiled. I will miss her.
Sr Angela Betsch
March 11, 2016
Mary Catherine (Betsch) Franke was my sister. I am Sister Angela Betsch in Oldenburg Indiana, and I wish to express my gratitude to all of Mary's faithful friends, who have written so kindly about her. She loved all of you, students and friends, and often spoke of you.
Mary was an exceptional teacher and leader, and a great inspiration to me.
I enjoyed my visits to the lovely town of Bishop, and I enjoyed friends of the Franke's. Thanks to all.
Rick Moberly
March 10, 2016
Mrs. Franke was always kind to everyone. She lived up the street from me and I used to mow her lawn every week for $5. She also got me a job at Giggle Springs, when I was in HS. I haven't seen her in decades but I can still hear her voice saying, "Oh Richard" LOL. Be thou at peace Mrs. Franke.
Nancy (Hayes)(Parra)Burrus
March 10, 2016
Wow, Mrs. Franke sure touched a lot of lives. She was a wonderful woman.
Rosie Graves
March 10, 2016
My heart so hurts this week.My day just doesn't seem complete without seeing her everyday now. She will be that angel looking over everyone. Truly an inspiration to all. The most kind-hearted person I have ever met. Never speaking negatives and always looking at the positives in everyone. Truly an honor to have had her in my life. God bless!
Kay Pinkston
March 10, 2016
To Mary Franke, my friend and my mentor. You have inspired so many lives with your positive attitude and infectious smile. I am grateful to be the beneficiary of your faith, support and friendship. Mary Franke's very presence demanded respect and appreciation from the students and staff at BUHS, and we all loved her. Thank you for the opportunities and examples of a true Christian life. May you join Lou and Heavenly Father for the eternities.
With love,
Kay Pinkston and family
Kim Downey
March 10, 2016
I remember her as the "girl's principal" at the high school. (1976 grad) She had a lot of patience with me! I'm glad to know her life was full of adventure. Rest in peace, Mrs. Franke! Until we meet again...
Lisa (Shearer) Hanke
March 10, 2016
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jeanie Jacobson
March 10, 2016
We took Mary out for coffee at Jack's Waffle Shop last May when we were in Bishop for Mule Days. We ended up occupying that booth for a couple of hours reminiscing. In '77 or '78 when Mary got Ray Bradbury to drive to Bishop in his limousine, my English students performed a Readers' Theater, "Ray Bradbury Looks at Time," based on three of his works, "Dandelion Wine," "The Cistern," and "The Pedestrian." We used a wheel chair with two flashlights (headlights) in the darkened stage to simulate the silent cop car in "The Pedestrian." Such fun! I still have the letter Bradbury wrote to the class thanking them and reminding us all how lucky we all were to occupy a place of such "pristine beauty" (Bishop). Mary used her considerable persuasive skills to get such renowned people, as Buckminster Fuller to come to Bishop to speak. She was the most positive, courageous person I ever knew. Nothing was too impossible to make happen if it was for her teachers and her kids. I'm so, so glad we were able to see her one last time. Her spirit rubs off on you and stays. --- Jeanie Jacobson (Mizmoe), French and English teacher, Bishop High School, 1970 to 1986
Craig Collins
March 10, 2016
Mrs. Franke. RIP. I have fond memories. I recall the day that she caught us eating lunch on the roof of good old BUHS. Can't remember who all was involved. I know it was my brother Kirk D. Collins and the Gray brothers, Mark and Brent. Rick Minerman and Mike Bame might have been in on it, too. We found the secret entrance to an attic, which led to a ladder, which led to the roof. For about a month, we'd go up there at lunch time to eat lunch, hang out and enjoy the view. There was something very subversive about it. Our downfall came after a heavy snowfall. We began lobbing snowballs off the roof at unsuspecting classmates standing in the quad area below. It was hilarious only in the way that something like that can be hilarious to 14- and 15-year-old boys. The snowball tossing went on for about three days. We assumed no one would put two-and-two together regarding where the snowballs were coming from. Perhaps some alien spacecraft with an invisibility cloak? On our final day on the roof, we were having a grand time launching snowballs hither and yon. And then a head popped up from the hatch that led to the roof. It was Mrs. Franke. I recall her saying, "What are you boys doing up here?" "Uh, eating lunch," we replied in unison. "Well, come with me." Parents were called and stiff sentences were meted out. We were forced to eat lunch every day for a week with Mrs. Franke. At the time, we all thought it was the worst crime ever committed and were deeply ashamed of our transgressions. But looking back, I think Mrs. Franke thought it was pretty hilarious. Every time she would see me over the next three years, she'd say, "Hey, it's the boy from the roof." And on a final note, I don't think I knew that she was a personal friend of Ray Bradbury. I remember his visit to Bishop High. I was invited to Brent Gray's house for a dinner with the author. Mrs. Franke was there, as were several other BUHS teachers. It was a great night. I always remember what Mr. Bradbury told us when asked how to become a successful writer: "Simple. Write every single day. I challenge anyone who takes me up on that to not write at least one good thing. If you stick to writing every day, and have the discipline to do it, you will eventually write something that really shines and makes you proud." Never forgot those words. And, of course, the article I wrote about Ray Bradbury's visit to our school was the first published piece -- in the Bronco Roundup (the BUHS school paper) -- I'd ever had with my name on it. So, thank you, Mrs. Franke, and rest in peace.
Julie Klekas
March 10, 2016
She seemed larger than life to me, and her huge smile and loving actions always made me feel confident and happy. May She rest in Peace!
Julie and Chris Klekas
James Bevins
March 10, 2016
REST IN PARADISE MRS FRANKIE. LOVE FROM THE BEVINS FAMILY
Sue Camphouse
March 9, 2016
I met Mary (and Lou) shortly after they moved to Bishop and treasured every moment we shared. Those moments included times in her office and in her home. We attended meetings together and community functions as well as activities at the Methodist Church. Whatever role Mary tackled she handled it remarkably! She was to be admired in anything she did. I was particularly impressed with her compassion and passion. We did a great deal together with foreign exchange students. Mary had a fierce love of family, writing, education, justice and the arts. We had fun running errands together and sharing recipes. I will miss her for so many reasons, but probably most for the boldness and ease with which she shared her faith.
Michelle Cole Scott
March 9, 2016
She was a wonderful person and made a difference in my life. God rest her soul and bring peace to all who will miss her.
Margie Snow
March 9, 2016
Mrs. Franke was my High School Principal. She had a profound affect on my life. I know that God received one of his Angel's home. She always led by example. She taught us well.
Paula Snow-Scofield
March 9, 2016
She was a great lady and will be missed. I thank her for all her kindness and wisdom she showed to all of us kids at BUHS.
Daniel & Rose Ann Deighan
Rose Ann Deighan
March 9, 2016
At Bishop Union High School, Bishop California Mrs. Franke was my Principal and she taught me lessons in responsibility and respect. I grew to know she was right! I am so thankful to have had her influence and friendship.
My prayers and condolences to the family.
God Speed Mrs. Franke you already earned your halo!
Rose Ann (De La Riva) Deighan
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