Franks, Erma D.

Rhinebeck-Erma D. Franks, 90, of Rhinebeck, NY, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck.

She was born on September 15, 1921 in Millerton, NY to Mae Hatch Doughty and Roy Doughty. She graduated from Millerton High School in1938. In April of 1943, she married Ellwood Franks, also of Millerton. Erma and Ellwood started and ran a successful express company, “Frank’s Express,” and Erma managed the bookkeeping for the company. She was also a homemaker and mother to Gay and Candy, always making sure a home-cooked dinner was ready for family and friends.

Erma believed in a life of service and was very active in the Millerton Methodist Church, organizing bake sales, co-chairing the Annual Christmas Bazaar, and co-chairing the Summer Thrift Shop for many years. She also served as Grand Chaplain when Ellwood was Grand Patron for the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York. They travelled all over the state for this cause for twenty five years and made many lasting friendships. She was a member for over fifty years, and most recently of the Beekman Chapter.

Erma is survived by her two daughters; Gay Crowley-Daly of Rutland, VT and Candace Franks Potter and her husband Bill Potter of Rhinebeck; as well as three grandchildren; Daniel Crowley of Rutland, VT, Melissa Potter of Whitsett, NC, and Abigail Clough of Rotterdam, NY. She was the very proud great grandmother of Braeden Rhys and Gage Leman Potter-Gendle of NC and Payton Crowley of VT. Several nieces and nephews survive as well.

Her husband Ellwood died in August of 1982. She was also predeceased by her three siblings, Helen Fenn, William Doughty and Richard Doughty.

Erma moved to Rhinebeck in 1990 and lived with Candy and bill for seventeen years, sharing their home and family life. There were always homemade cookies, a smile and a nod of encouragement from Erma to her family. While in Rhinebeck, she was a member of the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church. She also volunteered for the Lutheran Braille Workers for many years.

In March 2007, Erma went to live at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck and she quickly assimilated herself into the routine of the home. She participated in activities and was friendly and kind to all. She enjoyed all the warm greetings and visits by the staff.

Candy and Bill wish to say thank you to the wonderful, caring and skilled staff of the Baptist Home and they give a sincere thank you to the C-Wing team for always considering Erma’s needs as important, and for handling her with care, dignity and respect.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 3 to 6 PM at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.

Funeral services are Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10 AM from the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Irondale Cemetery, Millerton, NY.

In Erma’s memory, please consider a memorial donation to the Baptist Home at Brookmeade, 46 Brookmeade Dr., Rhinebeck, NY 12572, or the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church, 83 E. market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572.