Helen Franklin

From DeLashmutt Lane to the Crown of the Continent – Our loving mother, Helen Franklin crossed the divide on Valentine’s Day, four days short of her 97th birthday. Mother was born in McMinnville, Oregon a direct descendant of spirited Oregon Trail pioneers. Her family grew and prospered in the fertile soil of the Willamette Valley. She met her first husband, US Army MP Raymond Knotts in Portland during World War II. The newlyweds moved to Northwest Montana after his return from D-Day and the liberation of Paris. They settled on a Kootenai river ranch 20 miles from the nearest town and raised three children. Mother owned and operated the Knotts Café in Eureka, Montana during the 1960’s and worked in the hospitality industry until her retirement. During the late 60’s she married Charles “Bud” Franklin and they moved to Renton, Washington. She and Bud had an insatiable passion for all things outdoors including fishing, hunting, camping, razor clam fritters, and rhubarb pie. Mother had four stepchildren from her union with Bud. She lived the remainder of her life in Renton. She was fond of saying, “nobody promised you a rose garden and you have to take the bitter with the sweet”. Helen was a remarkable woman! Following her lead, and with bitter sweet emotions we say, “Rest in peace, Mother!” A summer time service on the Garden Wall in Montana is being planned by the family and in honor of Helen and her love for the Seattle area the family request gifts of support be given to Sound Health .