Frances Elizabeth “Betsy” McManaway Franklin, 87, of Vinton, VA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Brookdale Memory Care in Roanoke, VA, after a long battle with dementia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius “Jiggs” Lynwood McManaway and Dorothy Evelyn Moles McManaway.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Keith Franklin and his wife, Karen, of Falls Mills, VA and John Franklin and his wife, Sonya, of Bedford County, VA, along with her grandchildren, Michael and Katherine “Katy” Franklin of Falls Mills, VA and Sarah and Hannah Franklin of Bedford County, VA. Betsy loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Betsy is also survived by her two sisters, Mary Alice Howell of Chamblissburg, VA and Linda Gardner and husband, Harford Gardner, of Roanoke, VA, as well as nephews, Terry Howell and Warren Gardner, and niece, Leigh Anne Gardner.

Betsy was a graduate of Stewartsville High School and National Business School. She was one of the first people hired at the newly constructed General Electric Plant in Salem, VA in 1955 and worked in the Accounting and Engineering Departments for 40 years, retiring in 1995.

Betsy loved to travel and went to many places during her life, including Alaska, Hawaii, and various destinations in Europe. She was a member of the Roanoke Chapter National Railway Historical Society and volunteered on numerous steam excursions out of Roanoke. She travelled to Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans behind the J-611 and the 1218, huge steam locomotives operated by Norfolk and Western. Once she even managed to get a ride in the cab of the J-611 on a trip to Chicago, much to the chagrin of her sons that didn’t get to ride in the cab.

Betsy enjoyed crafts, including sewing, knitting and crocheting. She loved her little dog, Zippy, and she loved Buicks. Even after dementia began to affect her memory, she could still spot a Buick in a line of cars at a traffic light.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Memory Care in Roanoke, VA. They gave Betsy additional years of life. The family also wishes to thank the personnel at Legacy Hospice for their care of Betsy in her final days. Special thanks is also due to Royce McNeal for the care she gave Betsy in her later years.

The family will receive friends at Beaverdam Baptist Church in Chamblissburg, VA starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023, followed by a memorial service at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Beaverdam Baptist Church at 10665 Stewartsville Road, Vinton, VA 24179.

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