Laura Ruth Franklin
Laura Ruth Franklin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on Oct. 29, 2022, in Texas at the age of 90.
Laura was born on July 25, 1932, in Ohio to William and Ruth Stirling. During her childhood, her family relocated to Torrance, California, where she graduated from Torrance High School. While working as an usher at the local movie theater, she met the love of her life, Wallace “Wally” Franklin. Their chance meeting began a lifelong love story, and they were soon married.
A joint memorial and celebration will be held for Wally and Laura Franklin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Oakland Cemetery in Poteau with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.
Together, Laura and Wally built a beautiful life centered on family and hard work, as a devoted homemaker and mother of four, Laura dedicated herself to raising her children while also playing an active role in her husband’s many business adventures. Throughout the years, she served as a bookkeeper, receptionist, manager, and trusted partner. She also was an accomplished seamstress at the family clothing manufacturing business.
In 2005, Laura and Wally retired to Frisco, Texas to be closer to their children and growing family. Laura found joy in many creative pursuits, including needle paint, tatting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, crafting, and coin collecting. She was especially known for making slippers for family and friends, gifts that were treasured by all who received them. She also enjoyed bird watching and spending time with her loved ones.
Laura possessed a special gift with children; young people naturally gravitated toward her warm and nurturing spirit. Throughout her life, she lovingly helped care for and help raise numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, creating lasting memories and strong family bonds. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spoiling her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors are her children Catherine Robertson of Frisco, Texas; Leslie Haynes and husband Jim of Poteau, Laurie Durbin and husband Terry of Dallas, Texas; Brian Franklin and wife Richelle of Celina, Texas; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Sherry and husband Charlie; sister-in-law, Judy Allison and husband Harold; brother-in-law, John Franklin; sister-in-law, Shirley Stirling; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth Stirling; her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Dee Stirling; brother, Gene Stirling; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Kaye Franklin; brother-in-law, Don; sisters-in-law Peggy, Maxine, and Ramia.
Laura’s legacy of love, generously to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched and will never be forgotten.
To view Laura’s online guestbook, www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Wallace Edwin Franklin
Wallace Edwin Franklin, lovingly known as “Wally” passed away on Feb. 6, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born on July 24, 1929, to Walter and Viola (Brooks) Franklin. Wally lived a long, full and remarkable life shaped by responsibility, service, creativity, and devotion to family.
A joint memorial and celebration will be held for Wally and Laura Franklin at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at the Oakland Cemetery in Poteau. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.
In his early years, Wally stepped into the role of head of household following the passing of his father, demonstrating strength and maturity beyond his years, at just 17 he decided to answer the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He served as a MP/military policeman during the occupation of Japan in the Pacific War.
After returning home, Wally followed his passion for music and entered the entertainment world, forming his own country western band, the “Western Playboys”. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Laura Ruth Stirling. The two were married and began building a family.
Wally’s life journey took him through many professions and ventures. He worked as a TV repairman, pursued real estate, became a landlord, rancher, hotel owner, and ultimately retired from owning a clothing manufacturing business. His work ethic, determination and willingness to reinvent himself were hallmarks of his life.
He is survived by his children Catherine Robertson of Frisco, Texas; daughter Leslie Haynes and husband Jim of Poteau; daughter Laurie Durbin and husband Terry of Dallas, Texas; son Brian Franklin and wife Richelle of Celina, Texas; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; his sister Judy and husband Harold; sister Sherry and husband Charlie; his brother John; sister-in-law, Shirley Stirling; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wally was preceded in death by his beloved wife Laura Franklin; his parents, Walter and Viola (Brooks) Franklin; his siblings Don, Ramia, Jack, Peggy, and Maxine; and sister-in-law, Kaye Franklin.
Wally’s legacy lives on through his family, his service, his music, and the many lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To view Wally’s online guestbook, www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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