Geraldine “Gerry” Franks, 99, of Mitchell, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the First Reformed Church in Mitchell with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation was Monday, Sept. 23, at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service.

Gerry Franks, daughter of Clarence and Leah (Doty) Rubert, was born Jan. 19, 1920, in rural Woonsocket. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1937.

Gerry was united in marriage with James “Bud” Franks on June 18, 1939. She was employed at Woolworths in Mitchell for 35 years and was known as the caramel apple queen where she served thousands of apples during Corn Palace Week. Gerry was known and loved by so many for her smile, great sense of humor and willingness to help everyone.

She was an active member of First Reformed Church for many years.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Myrna Oehlerking of Mitchell, Jerilyn Weber of Mitchell, Jim (Buff) Franks of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Joel (Tracy) Franks of Mitchell; 12 grandchildren; and 25 great-granchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, in 1973; her daughter, Judith August in 2011; her siblings, Madeline, Evie, Bob and Addie; and son-in-law, Dan Weber.