Shirley Franklin

Shirley Ruth (Franklin) Ownbey, 78, passed away June 19, 2014

She was born to the late James Lee Ownbey and Gladis Lewis Ownbey, January 6, 1936 in Vinita, OK.

She was a legal secretary, a Navy wife, a mother and served many years as nurse assistant and union steward at Horace Mann Middle School. She was always passionate about Women's issues, proud of her Cherokee heritage and outspoken about Native American rights. Though Ms. Franklin had suffered with illness her entire life, she never let it deter her from her dreams and goals.

Shirley is survived by three daughters: Alice Ann Skehan, of Los Alamos, NM; Cynthia Louise Polich, of Agoura Hills, CA; and Susan Lorraine Lebowitz, of San Diego, CA. She also is survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to American Indian College Fund.