Glenna Lou (Gates) Franko, 92, of Butler, PA passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024 at Newhaven Court, Butler, PA.
Glenna was born on August 27, 1931 in Butler, PA to William R. Gates and Mildred (Snodgrass) Gates.
Glenna graduated from Butler High School in 1948 at the age of 16. She then continued her education at Butler County Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Butler Memorial Hospital, and later as a school nurse and at Lifesteps Geriatric Daycare. Glenna was an active member of Christian Women’s Club and the Nurses Alumni Association. She was a volunteer at Lifeline and loved being a part of the Keenagers Sunday School Class at North Main Street Church of God. Glenna faithfully served her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, always thanking Him for her many blessings and seeking His guidance. She looked forward to eternity with Him.
Glenna loved gardening and was thrilled that her many grandchildren worked wonderfully together to build her a raised bed garden. She took great joy in guiding her great grandchildren in planting and harvesting the vegetables with her.
She was proud of having attended a one room school in her early elementary years. And, in later years, she organized a reunion with her Bulford School classmates.
She was also proud of having written a book about her life to pass on to her family.
Glenna was a life-long learner. Even into her 90’s she took part in the Slippery Rock University Insitute for Learning in Retirement.
Glenna was most proud of her family and dearly loved them all.
Glenna is survived by 6 children: William H. (Liz Pentin) Franko of Pittsburgh, PA, Patricia L. (Ray) Saeler of Butler, PA, Nadine E. (Todd) Shingleton of Slippery Rock, PA, Frederick P. (Meg) Franko, of Denver, CO, Alan A. (Natalie) Franko of Butler, PA, and Gary J. (Tara Taylor) Franko of Pittsburgh, PA, 10 grandchildren; Andy Franko, Ryan Saeler, Nicole Johnson, Ben Shingleton, Sarah DiFrischia, Tim Shingleton, Aidan Franko, Cole Franko, Kiara Oesterling, and Kaelee Condello, and 18 great- grandchildren; Gavin Saeler, Emma Saeler, Miles Johnson, Liam Johnson, Graham Johnson, Evelyn Lou Johnson, Phoenix Ruggles, Caleb Shingleton, Josiah Shingleton, Micah Shingleton, Jonah Shingleton, Elise DiFrischia, Eilee Belle DiFrischia, Apollo DiFrischia, Emery Shingleton, Mackenna Shingleton, Axel Oesterling, and Atlas Oesterling. Also surviving are 2 siblings: Rex (Sally) Gates and Sondra (Richard) Grossman.
In addition to her parents, William R. (Mildred) Gates, Glenna was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Franko, whom she married on September 30, 1952, one grandson, Steven Saeler, and two brothers, Willis Gates and Gary Gates.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday March 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main Street Ext, Butler, PA 16001.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday March 21, at 10:30 AM at North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main Street Ext, Butler, PA, 16001, with Pastor Brandon Lenhart officiating.
A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Burial Estates.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center at 103 Bonnie Drive, Butler, PA 16002 or Isaiah 117 House in Butler, PA at www.isaiah117house.com.
All who knew Glenna are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to her unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Thompson- Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North Street, Butler, PA 16001.