Barbara L. Franks

Barbara Lee Franks, age 73 of Granville, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 28, 2024. 

Visitation will be held from 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect Street, Granville, Ohio 43023.

Barb was born May 5, 1950, in Warren, Ohio to Leland and Winifred Franks. Barb's parents were incredibly kind people. While growing up she learned quickly that her house was a nucleus of family and social gatherings. From an early age Barb showcased a natural characteristic to share her big compassion-filled heart. 

By 1963 she dedicated a lot of her time to the care for horses while involved with 4H. A tender awareness and empathy for others became her life-long pursuit.  Barb graduated from Howland High School in 1968 and in 1972 she completed Bowling Green State University with degree work in Fashion Design, Business, and Geology. Barb jumped right into the clothing & textile industry by working for the May Company. This brought her to Youngstown, then New York and travels all around the world. By 1975 Barb moved to Long Beach, California where she became a homeowner and a small business professional. She owned and operated two women's contemporary clothing boutiques in high traffic beach communities. 

Barb and Dan met in Long Beach in 1985 to begin their nearly 40-year relationship together. They had their first child, Andy, who was born in 1989 and Sam, in 1990. As a family in 1993 they decided to move from Long Beach, California to Ohio, returning to the family roots of both Barb and Dan. After establishing their new businesses in Granville, Footloose Vintage & Taco Dan's quickly became a hub of the community. Barb was at the center of this community sharing her infectious smile, laugh and sincere friendship to all. She made herself available as she prioritized personal connections in her daily life.  

Barb was an inextinguishable extrovert who maintained a loving environment that her and Dan built together for the benefit of everyone. She liked to have a good time, and thankfully for all of us she was the person providing the good cheer in an atmosphere that welcomed all. She reminds us to enjoy being in the spirit of footloose and fancy-free, to be in the moment, to take care of one another, to be of service, especially to the community you surround yourself within. 

Barb is survived by her lifelong partner Dan, their sons Andy & Sam, granddaughter Piper, and a community of loving friends & extended family. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. 

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Barb and her family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.

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