Obituary published on Legacy.com by Stone Funeral Home - West Frankfort on Oct. 1, 2025.
Wilda M. Frakes, age 100, of
West Frankfort, IL passed away peacefully at 4:54 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 in her home.
She was born at home on the farm on August 25, 1925, in Hawesville, KY the daughter of Everett and Jennie (Heifner) Jackson.
She was a graduate of Beechmont High School Class of 1944 of Hawesville, KY.
After she graduated from high school she moved to Detroit, MI, during the time of WW II and worked in a bomb production factory. She later moved back to Indiana and began working in the furniture factory in Tell City, IN. This is where she met George William Frakes who was also working there. After 5 months of dating they were united in marriage on December 7, 1946, in Owensboro, KY, with many people saying it will never work. They proved them wrong and together they shared 72 years and 4 days of marriage until his death on December 11, 2018.
After her marriage she never worked again outside of her home. She enjoyed remaining at home seeing to the needs of her family and managing her home.
Moving to the West Frankfort area in 1969 she became a member of First United Methodist Church of West Frankfort.
In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, knitting, playing the card game Euchre and taking drives. When her children were young, she was always taking them to the many sporting events they both were involved with always encouraging them in all their many activities. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. The many memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by two sons Rick "R.A." Frakes of
West Frankfort, IL and William L. "Bill" Frakes and his wife, Patricia of Anna, IL; two step grandchildren, Risa Hicks and her husband, Dr. Tony D.V.M. of Paducah, KY and Ryan Flam and his wife, Megan of Anna, IL; three step great grandchildren, Alexis, Avery and Bowman Flamm, several nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Ray and Carl Jackson.
Arrangements were entrusted to Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar Street,
West Frankfort, IL.
The visitation was at Stone Funeral Home, on Thursday, September 11th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The graveside committal service was at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, next to her husband in Walker Cemetery located near Branchville, IN with Pastor Paul Alvey, who is pastor of Branchville Christian Church presiding.
Following the committal service the family and friends gathered at Branchville Christian Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support.
For those who preferred, the family requested memorial contributions be made to "Walker Cemetery" to help with expenses in maintaining the cemetery. Contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar Street,
West Frankfort, IL 62896.
For additional information call the funeral home at 932-2161.
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