Lola Mae (Fornwalt) Franklin, 84, of Hutchinson, passed away at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center on July 9, 2019, peacefully following her beloved husband into heaven.

She was born to Oliver 'Dewey' and Lora (Benjamin) Fornwalt on May 25, 1935. She graduated from Partridge High School in 1953 and then went on to earn her associates degree from Hutchinson Community College in 1971, her bachelors degree from Sterling College in 1972, and a Library Science degree from Wichita State University in 1978.

On August 27, 1955, she married the love of her life, Bill R. Franklin, at Partridge Community Church. They were completely devoted to one another over 60 years, walking through life hand in hand. They had two children, Debora Kay and Bill Eugene, and raised them both on the family farm in rural Hutchinson. Over the years, Lola was a beloved teacher, farmer's wife, homemaker, 'hired man', as well as a switchboard operator.

She was a member of Partridge Community Church. Lola loved to read, and over the years, she made dozens of beautiful cakes and created many outfits on her sewing machine. She was an amazing cook and kept the entire family fed with huge meals that spanned her long table and lavished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with lots of love.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; brothers, Leslie and John Fornwalt; sister, Eva Hirst; and son, Bill E. Franklin.

She is survived by: daughter, Debora (Ray) Miller of Hutchinson; daughter-in-law, Joann (William) Drummond of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Bill M. (Kristin) Franklin of Buhler, Matthew (Ashley) Franklin of Sterling, Anthony (Jaime) Franklin of Granby, CO, Lindsey (Joey) Young of Hutchinson, Megan (Derek) Law of Hutchinson, Travas and Alaina Brenner of Silverthorne, CO; great-grandchildren, Adeline, Ella, Lillian, and Samuel Franklin, Avery and Addie Franklin and Kaden Ketterl, Evelyn Franklin, Emilia Law, Tayden, Tannan and Aniaya Brenner; and brother-in-law, Allen Hirst of Hutchinson.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Sheridan Irick presiding. Inurnment will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Darlow. The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Elliott Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Partridge Community Church or American Heart Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.