Jacqueline Franke Kelley

Unknown - Oct 15th, 2009
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Oct 15, 2009
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
  • Location:
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Biography: Jacqueline Franke Kelley, 85, of Little Rock, passed away on October 15, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Charles August “Bud” Franke, who founded Franke’s Cafeteria, and the late Irene Catherine Kirwan Franke. Born in Little Rock in 1924, Jackie graduated from Little Rock Senior High School, where she was voted the most beautiful her senior year. She attended Randolph Macon Women’s College, the University of Texas and University of Arkansas. During World Was II, she worked as a Gray Lady and nurse’s aide for the Red Cross, and drove ambulances in the Motor Corps. She also worked as a volunteer for the Air Force, helping to plot air traffic and helped with air control. She and late Juanita Carter were instrumental in developing and maintaining the library at Jefferson Elementary School where she was also very active in the PTA. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, which later led to a thirteen year stint as a treasurer of UALR, Gamma Zeta House Corporation. Other treasury positions were with the Fine Arts club and Junior League of Little Rock. She was a member of the Arkansas Arts Center, Country Club of Little Rock, Red Apple Country Club at Eden Isle and Trinity Cathedral. In 1945, Jackie married Frank Richard “Dick” Lewis. He joined the Franke’s family business serving as Vice President. They had three children. Together they built a lake house at Eden Isle, which was one of their favorite places to be. Dick passed away in 1967. With her second husband of 38 years, George Larrimore Kelley, Jackie enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing in Alaska, Canada, the Christmas Islands, Hawaii, Texas, and their beloved hunting clubs, Button Willow, and Circle S. They also thoroughly enjoyed spending time at their vacation homes in Lahaina, Maui and Ponte Vedra Beach in Jacksonville, Florida, playing tennis with each other and their friends until they were both in their eighties. She had a tremendous love of nature which she passed on to her three children. Our mother devoted herself to her husbands and her children. She was truly a great Southern woman, treating everyone she met with polite kindness and dignity. We will dearly miss her. In addition to her parents and husbands, Jackie was predeceased by her brother William John “Bill” Franke, and his wife Toni. Surviving her are her children Frank Richard “Rick” Lewis, Jr. of Benton, Arkansas, Sally Ann Lewis, of Santa Cruz, California, Sherry Louise Lewis, of Kenai, Alaska, and grandson Christopher Richard “Chris” Lewis and his wife Lisa Gayle Lewis of Indianapolis, Indiana, and grandchildren Taylor Lisanne and husband Adam Jarboe of New Albany, Indiana and Ashley Lane Lewis of Danville, Indiana. She is also survived by two stepdaughters, Susan Schallhorn and husband Tom of Springdale, Arkansas, Eileen Coe and husband Toby of Rogers, Arkansas, granddaughter Caroline Clarke and husband John of Bentonville, Arkansas and great granddaughter, Katie Clarke. The surviving Franke nieces and nephews are Carol Horner of Wasilla, Alaska, Bill and Carolyn Franke, Barbara Franke, Bob and Cynthia Franke, Chris and Sharon Franke, and their children, all of Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackie and Larry Kelley Family Fund at the Nature Conservancy in Little Rock, the general Fund of the Nature Conservancy, or the charity of your choice. Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. A reception will follow after the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. Please sign the online condolence book at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(11)
Frank and Eddie Lou Taylor
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We never really knew Jackie except throuugh the loving eyes of Lisa and Chris. They loved her dearly and respected and admired her so. She will be missed.
Wiley E. Hulsey
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Honoring the Franke Family.
Lisa Lewis
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My heart is sad and comforted at the same time to know that Jackie is in a place of peace. What a strong, beautiful, elegant lady. She taught me about family values, having an appreciation for nature and the world around us, and just a love for the simple things in life. I will miss her dearly...our conversations about the birds that nested in the wreath each year, the geraniums we planted, and the sunsets at the lake. I love you Jackie and will see you again...Lisa
Jack Vander Schilden/Teresa Jones
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dearest Jackie,

You were such a special lady -- one of our all time favorites.

You and Larry lived such a charmed and storybook existence. The both of you certainly lived life to the fullest.

We're deeply saddened by your passing, but content in the fact that you and Larry will once again be together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this very trying time. We will fondly remember you always.
Winifred and Larry Watkins
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jackie was such a fine, sweet lady. Our lives were enriched by knowing her.
with sympathy,
Ron & Virginia Van Es
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan & Tom
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family at this time in your lives. Take care.
Ron & Virginia Van Es
Springdale, AR
Richard Dixon
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
With deepest sympathy.
BeBe Mckinney Deal
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Kathy Isgrig Weimer
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Such a special lady and one I shall not forget. She was very good to us and became a special friend to us. The very first time I saw how very caring and giving she was is when she let us use her home in Eden Isle for our honeymoon.My heart goes out to the whole family. I know she will be missed so by all of you. I know that she will have a very special place in the hearts of all the rest of us who were so blessed to have known her. God Bless all of you. Kathy Isgrig Weimer
Charlie Isgrig
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A great lady, a true Southern lady has left us. We are all better folks for having been apart of Jackie's life. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
David and Vickie Cleveland
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Your family in Alaska is thinking of your family in Arkansas.

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