Yvette Franklin

During her early childhood, her love of animals started to develop. She enjoyed helping her grandfather Burgis Campbell on his farm with his vast array of exotic animals, from zebras, to monkeys, buffalo and more. She participated in FFA, 4H, and little britches rodeo, eventually progressing to becoming a barrel racer. She attended Wide Awake Schoolhouse, located in between Liberal and Hugoton until they moved to Liberal where she then attended Liberal High School. 

After school, Yvette was an adventurous woman who hitched-hiked with her beloved dog, Sarge, all the way to California. Throughout this trip, she gained a love for life, always wanting to make it a party. So much so that Yvette and her sister decided it was a good idea to skydive in Southwest Kansas. It was quickly found not to be, as they managed to land in the only trees and power lines around. 

She married, and later divorced, James (JR) R. Franklin. Together Yvette and JR had three children, Jason M. Franklin, Amber N. Franklin, and Brandon J. Franklin. 

As their family was continuing to grow, the adventures grew, as Yvette and JR moved to her childhood homestead. Together they built the first of its kind in this area, an underground solar powered home. On this homestead, her love for animals got its chance to expand. She opened Franklin Avery, which was a business that bred, raised, and sold exotic birds. 

Throughout her life and when she spared time, she worked as a riveter at Beech Aircraft, sold Amway, helped with the Knudsen’s exotic animal farm start-up, and maintained her business. Unfortunately, having to retire due to various health issues, Yvette went on to spend her time tending to her animals and her garden. Having the uncanny ability to grow anything from a seed, you would generally find her outside.  Aside from the time spent with her garden and animals, she enjoyed “hangin out” as she would say. Knowing no stranger, having an open door for anyone and anything, she just wanted to have a good time with those around her.

Her sister, Tammy Hawk and Aunt Georgie Taylor, survives her. Her three children; Jason, Amber and husband Levi Sturges, Brandon and wife AnnaMarie. Ten grandchildren; Mickinsi Yourston, Nevaeh  Bess, Madix  Franklin, Hunter Lucero, Deigon  Sturges, Braydon  Matheson, TJ Lucero, Merrik Franklin, Aurora Collins, Tierny Struges. Six nephews; Chad Carlile, Dusty Hawk, Randy Hawk, David Hawk, Dillon Hawk, and Dalton Hawk. One niece; Jenny (Carlile) Olson, several great nieces and nephews. Three great grandchildren; Sophia, Marcelo, and Armanii of Mickinsi.

She is preceded in death by parents, brother; Alan Carlile, sister; Yolonda Carlile, uncle; Darrel Taylor, nephew; Brian, and great-nephew; Kaiser Carlile. 

To best honor Yvette and her passion for a good time, a celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 3166, in Liberal, KS on April 12, 2024. Celebration from 5-8PM, coming and going as you please.