Linda "Kay" Franklin, 77, of Clay City, IL passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Carle Richland Memorial in Olney, IL. Kay was the daughter of Carl and Sadie (Herdes) Evans. She married Roger Franklin on October 26, 1999 in Las Vegas, NV while attending the National Finals Rodeo. He survives. 

Kay loved visiting with her family and friends Even when her health was failing, and she didn't feel good, she still wanted to see you, and always thanked you for calling or coming by. Before Roger and Kay were married, she worked at Richland Memorial Hospital in the medical records department. It was there that she made lifelong friendships that she cherished dearly; she loved “her girl's". She loved her flowers and would spend hours in her yard tending to them. The other love of hers were her animals, from their long horn Speck, to their adopted Kiger Mustangs, Thelma and Louise, to their beloved dogs Tipper, Ricky, Andy 1, Andy 2, and the latest addition Ernie, and her rescue cat Lucy. 

Kay's health started to fail a little over 6 years ago when she was diagnosed with lung cancer... but she never, ever gave up. She was a fighter till the end, even when all her complications took hold and wouldn't let go. Her fight is gone, but her spirit lives on. She was classy, funny, and quick with a comeback. She will be missed deeply. Rest in sweet peace until we meet again. 

Kay is survived by her husband and true love Roger Franklin of Clay City; son, Wayde Osborn; daughter, Kelly Osborn Burmister and special friend Elmer Slusher, Robinson, IL; step children, Rodney (Collette) Franklin of Clay City, Jennifer (David) Smith of Olney, Doug (Christy) Franklin of Tolono, IL, Jessica (Russ) Ethridge of Louisville, IL; grandchildren, Shauna Hegwood, John Hegwood, Rod (Dawn) Franklin, Jordan (Josh) Kessler, Cody Smith, Blake Franklin, Brooke (Alex) Franklin, Boden Franklin, Katelyn Allen, Kelsea Allen, Jerrin  Ethridge, Maggie Ethridge, and 2 great granddaughters, Marli and Mila Franklin. She is also survived by uncle Norman Henry of Olney, her very best friend Lori Kuhl, and special friend/sister Rebecca (Becky) Franklin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dale Evans.

Memorials can be made to “Fur A Good Paws” in Flora, IL. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the Clay City United Methodist Church.

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