Lafana Gale “Susie” Frank, 81, of Columbus, died at 5:11 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at Medicalodge of Columbus with her daughter at her side.
Born April 1, 1940, in Baxter Springs, Susie was the daughter of Carl “Buck” and Virginia (Bash) Sturgeon. She was a graduate of Baxter Springs High School with the Class of 1958.
Susie and Marvin Lockslee Washburn were married in 1968. They divorced shortly before the birth of their daughter, Sherry Lynn Washburn. July 18, 1981, Susie was united in marriage to Charles Frank in rural Baxter Springs. He survives.
Susie worked at Baxter Memorial Hospital in Baxter Springs after high school until the birth of her daughter in 1970. After a short hiatus, she returned to work at the hospital and worked there until the hospital closed.
Susie then worked at Lou’s BBQ in Columbus and then at Crow’s Restaurant in Columubs until she broke her ankle, which required her to retire.
In addition to her parents, Virginia and Buck Sturgeon, Susie was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Carl Sturgeon, Jr.
In addition to her husband, Susie is survived by her daughter, Sherry L. Washburn of Columbus; nieces Shanon Brewster (husband, Terry) of Riverton and Shelly Barnard (Kevin Slankard) of Baxter Springs; nephew, Michael Sturgeon (wife, Jean) of Joplin, Mo.; brother-in-law Richard Frank (wife, Barbara) of rural Columbus; as well as several great nieces and a great nephew.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 25, at Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus. Pastor Steven Bell will officiate. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery, in rural Columbus.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God, in Baxter Springs or Happy Paws Animal Rescue, in Pittsburg in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.