Franc-Marie "Frankie" Holeman

Franc-Marie “Frankie" Holeman, 96, of Wamego, Kansas, formerly of Norton, Kansas, died Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Valley Vista Good Samaritan.

Frankie was born on May 17, 1925, in Norton, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur E. and Juanita (McCormick) Collier. She attended local school and graduated from Norton High School.

She married John L. Holeman in Norton, in February of 1944. He preceded her in death in 2005 as the result of an automobile accident.

Frankie and Johnny were farmers and ranchers, raising Shorthorn cattle and wheat. They prided themselves in the care they took with their farm animals and pets. They were members of the Fraternal Oder of Eagles. After their retirement, they moved from the farm to Norton and Frankie became involved with animal rescue. She had several rescue cats. Also, for many years Johnny and Frankie cared for their son, Lynn, who had multiple sclerosis. Lynn also preceded Frankie in death in 1999.

Frankie loved to read the Salina Journal, good books, do crossword puzzles, watch political talk shows and PBS. She was a proud lifelong Democrat who loved and respected Dwight Eisenhower. Frankie was a great cook. For years she was known throughout the family for her dark chocolate cake with fudge icing. She loved to play cards and was a fierce competitor and was known for her lively personality. Frankie was such fun to be around with a great sense of humor.

Frankie moved to California to be close to her family but after a while decided to move back home to Norton. In 2020 her apartment burned and she moved to Wamego.

Frankie is survived by her daughter, Karen Burkhardt and husband Pat of Ferndale, California, as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. Her family is especially grateful to her special nephew, David Breiner and his wife Diane, Alma, Kansas. She had many friends and caregivers in Norton, especially Angie Bird, Starr Garza, Melissa Delimont and Chelsey Huber, and her great friend of many years, Bonnie Boxler; and in Wamego. Her family will be forever grateful to them all. Frankie was also preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, John Douglas Holeman, and her brothers, Ralph Keith Collier, Kenneth Collier, and Charles Collier.

Memorial services will be held in the spring in Norton.