Ruth Irene Franklin

Ruth Irene Franklin, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, February 27, 2015 at her residence. She was born August 21, 1929, in Greenfield, the daughter of Napoleon and Effie (Fletcher) Grigsby. On September 5, 1946, she married her husband of 57 years, Orville Lloyd Franklin, he preceded her in death on March 21, 2004. Ruth is survived by her sons, Thomas Franklin and wife, Sue Kuhn, of Shelbyville and Joseph Franklin and wife, Peggy, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Janet McColley Franklin; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Alfreda “Alfie” Franklin; son, Stephen Franklin; and sisters, Stella Saylor, Linda Mueller and Patsy Pettit; and brother, Charles Grigsby. Ruth graduated from Greenfield High School. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ruth formerly owned “R” Craft Shoppe, and she was a caregiver. She was also a member of St. Anne’s Altar Society, Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary; the Moose Lodge and past president of American War Mothers. Ruth was an avid supporter of the Humane Society and Easter Seals. She also leaves behind her beloved calico cat, Meow, whom she adored. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Altar Society, in care of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 E. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.