Franklin: Rice will be missed

Monday, September 06, 2010

Letters	September 06, 2010

7/29/2010 9:25:00 AM

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Franklin: Rice will be missed
Dear Editor,

I received my (July 14 issue) of The Normangee Star...and was devastated at the news of the death of my old and dear friend, Ann Rice.

I haven't lived in Normangee since 1952-62, but come back two or three times a year to tend my Hopewell plot, where my late husband Frank Franklin is buried. I always stopped at Rachie Robinson's office and visited awhile with Ann.

When I learned she was ill, I called and talked with her at St. Joseph Manor in Bryan. She was cheerful and upbeat, as always, and I prayed that she would be able to overcome this illness.

Ann, Becki, Bobby, Brad and I made several trailrides to Madisonville to participate in the (Madisonville Sidewalk) Cattlemen's Association parade. Bob always took a trailer over to bring all the horses back to Normangee.

I remember that when Bob got too ill to handle the pharmacy, it was sold (or leased) to a pharmacist from Bryan. It was open for awhile, then was closed without any notice to Bob and Ann, or the employees. This really upset Ann, and she agonized over the fact that the people (particularly the elderly) of Normangee would have to go to Madisonville or Bryan for prescriptions.

Ann and I exchanged letters every year and kept each other updated on our lives. She took care of Bob until his death. Then, she moved her ill sister from another state to Bryan and took care of her until her death. She helped Bobby when he was ill, then took care of Brad in her home until her illness.

She mentioned in one of her last letters to me that it seemed she was destined to be a caregiver. She said we are all put on this earth for a reason, and if that was her intended purpose in life, then she was happy with it. That's the way I will remember her - always putting others ahead of herself.

I send condolences to her children, as I share their grief. Ann was the BEST of the best, and I will miss visiting with my old friend when in Normangee.

Jo Franklin

Baytown

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