Rita A. Spalding Franks

December 31, 1956 - January 13, 2019

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visitation

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - Ruston

209 North Bonner

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-2832 |

Thursday 1/17, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

service

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - Ruston

209 North Bonner

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-2832 |

Thursday 1/17, 10:00 am

Visitation for Rita A. Franks, age 62, will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Ruston, at 9:00 AM Thursday, January 17, 2019, with a Memorial Service to follow at 10:00 AM. Rev. Mary Spalding will officiate.Mrs. Franks was born December 31, 1956 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and died January 13, 2019 in Ruston, Louisiana.Rita was the daughter, the fifth child of eight children, of Albert Dominic Spalding, from Lebanon, Kentucky, and Mary Barbara Jastifer, from Parnel, Michigan. She was raised in Wyoming, Michigan, and was a member of Saint John Vianney Church.Mrs. Franks received a B.S. Degree from the Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Masters of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan. She was employed for 25 years at Waldo Library, at Western Michigan University where she held numerous positions. She was employed by Louisiana Tech University beginning as the Government Documents and Reference Librarian, then serving as the Director of Collection Services, then in 2013 she assumed leadership of the Library to become the Executive Director of Library Services.Rita was an active member with the Louisiana Library Association, and the American Library Association. Rita served Louisiana Tech University as the SACSCOC Compliance Certification Compliance Committee since 2013 and as a member of the University Senate, APC, and Faculty-Staff Club. Previously in Michigan she had been active in the Boy Scouts of America, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband, Michael Franks; a daughter Michelle Vardaman (Jamey) of Summerdale, Alabama; a daughter Melissa Franks of Summerdale, Alabama; a son Lucas Franks of Cleveland, Ohio; a son Vincent Franks of Cleveland, Ohio; a granddaughter Shelby Cantrell of Summerdale, Alabama; two brothers, five sisters, and many nieces and nephews.Memorials may be made to LA TECH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION and mailed to: Director of Libraries, Prescott Memorial Library, P.O. Box 10408, Ruston, LA 71272.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - Ruston

209 North Bonner

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-2832 | Map

Thursday 1/17, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes - Ruston

209 North Bonner

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-2832 | Map

Thursday 1/17, 10:00 am

See Condolences

I did not know Rita but she sounds awesome. My deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIH

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. Franks for your loss. No doubt she lived a fulfilling life, she loved her family, and I know you will miss her dearly. I hope you can draw comfort from Gods word, as I have, where He promises us that there is going to be a resurrection and that we can be reunited with our loved ones again - right here on the earth. (John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:9,10) If you‚Äôd like to read more comforting thoughts from Gods word, and his plan for our future, please visit the Bible based website - jw.org.

Mike, your life was greatly enriched by Rita. I hope that your beautiful memories will help ease your loss. Sending prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Rita for many years at Western Michigan University. Our loss was Louisiana Tech University's gain. My thoughts are with her family and friends.

Rita and I were co-workers at Western Michigan University Libraries. I vividly remember Rita's wonderful laugh and sparkling eyes. She was always gracious ... a truly gentle soul. My thoughts are with family and friends as they make their way through one of life's greatest transitions.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Mike, Luke, Vince and all the family, friend and coworkers I do not know. You have my heartfelt condolences. I worked with Rita at Western Michigan. She was always the consummate professional. You could not ask for a better, more caring advisor and guide. And she was great fun. She gave us all so much. I can imagine your sorrow. Find strength in family and friends. She would want your happiness.

So sorry for your loss.

Mike, Luke, Vince and Spalding Family. My heart breaks to learn of Rita‚Äôs sudden passing. She was the sweetest, kindest person I‚Äôve ever had the pleasure to call my friend. Loved her dearly. And she will be greatly missed. Know that my love, thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

I was saddened to hear of Rita's death. It was a pleasure to work with her at the Tech Library, and I know that she will be greatly missed by her fellow colleagues . . . She was a lovely person. My condolences to Mike and her family members.

So very sorry to hear of Rita's passing. So heartbreaking. Rita was a gentle, kind person who will be greatly missed by anyone fortunate enough to have met her.

My sincere condolences on Rita's passing. I always enjoyed working with Rita in the library world. She was a great sounding board and provided good insight into various situations. She will be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace that only comes from our Lord.

Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of Mrs. Franks. We were blessed to have known her over the years. ~Willis Knighton Cardiology Family

Mike and children. So sorry to hear about the passing of your wife and mother.

Dear Michael and family, so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. We worked together at WMU for many years. She was always professional, knowledgeable, and very sweet. My sincere condolences.

Rita was my colleague at the Western Michigan University Libraries for several decades. She was terrific to work with, and I was so happy that she went on to have an even more brilliant career when she moved to Louisiana. She left us much too soon, and I will be keeping all of her family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless.

Mike, Steve and I are so very sorry to hear of Rita's sudden passing. We are praying for you and your family.

We will be praying for your family. Rest in Peace

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences for your sudden loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. For our loss. She was an amazing woman who made a big difference in Louisiana libraries and in the lives of so many librarians. I will miss her terribly.

I am deeply saddened for the loss of cousin Rita. She was an accomplished server of mankind and the world is better for her presence. Her passing is tragic for all her loved ones. I am praying for all my Spalding cousins.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Mike and family my sincere sympathy in the loss of your wonderful wife, mother, sister Rita. Prayers for you all as you deal with her heart breaking untimely passing. Rest In Peace Rita.

Mike we are so sorry to hear this.

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for your family.

Sorry for your loss.Praying for you & your family at this time.

my dearest sweet sister..... i will miss you. i love you bumpches as'we always said

MIKE & FAMILY IM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS OF RITA MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE & PRAYERS FOR YOU & FAMILY, YOUR FRIEND MARTY HART

Mike I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

So sorry to learn of your wife's passing, Mike.My thoughts are with you and your entire family.

My sincere condolences and prayers to Rita's family.

Enjoyed working with Rita in Louisiana libraries and in LLA. She will be missed by many in our profession.

When thinking of Rita I always think of how sweet she was and always wanting to be helpful. My prayers are with you all as you navigate this time without her.

We are grieving with you, and rejoicing for having had Rita in our lives.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.