Lee Ann Franklin DeFries

Lee Ann Franklin DeFries, age 78 of Tulia, formerly of Dalhart passed away, Monday, July 14, 2025. Lee Ann was born May 8, 1947, to Lloyd “Bud” and Lela (McKeon) Franklin in Bisbee, Arizona. She was the oldest of two children.

Mom loved the Lord; she shared her testimony of the Gospel and her love of Jesus Christ to any and everyone. She gave freely to whomever was in need. Her life mission on this earth was taking care of her family. Mom was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints and served a mission at the Genealogical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lee Ann graduated from Dalhart High School in 1966. She married Jimmy DeFries on July 30, 1966. She held many different secretarial positions throughout her life, finally retiring from Verizon Telephone Company after 25 years of service. She loved spending time with her family, reading, shopping at re-sale shops, and watching local news, weather, and Price Is Right.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jim Lloyd; her nephews: Brett and Shawn Deeter; and her eternal companion, our beloved father, Jimmy DeFries. She is survived by her younger sister, Carol Deeter who is a most cherished confidante and friend. Lee Ann is also survived by her children: Dena (Mickey) Bye, Lori DeFries, and Cullen (Jenelle) DeFries; a very proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren: Garrett (Lauryn) Bye, Scott (Berkleigh) Bye, Cooper (Ashlynn) Bye, Cody Bye, Cayton (Chelsea) Limbocker, Kyler (fiancée Makenzie) Limbocker, Kelsi (Ramses) Rodriguez, Britanee (Darek) Gray, Kiona (Gabe) Knight, Makaylia (Matt) Crabtree, Mylam DeFries, and Jeffry Gilbert; proud great-grandmother of seventeen: Alia Stone, Keaton Ruzick, Hensley Grace Bye, Ramses Alfonso Rodriguez, Rylan Wade and Arliss Limbocker, Asher and Teghan Friese, Nolyn, Drake, Dallin, Donovan and Mason Gray, Elias Baker, Lorelei Crabtree, and Alayna Gilbert; most loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loyal beloved companion, her dog, Cookie.

Lee Ann will lie is state 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM, Friday July 18 at Horizon Funeral Home, 701 Elm Avenue (the corner of Elm and E 7th St.) where the family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Dalhart. For those that wish, the procession will form at the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:30.

Lee Ann’s family would like to extend a “thank you” to Interim Hospice for their amazing support and care during Mom’s transition.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to High Plains Food Bank, 1910 SE 8th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79102.