Janice was born January 28, 1941 in the mountains of Ashland, Kentucky to Milton and Lelah Franklin. She was a fireball from the start, with a smile that lit up a room. She met Lowell on a blind date (on St Patrick’s Day, 1962) while she was attending Taylor University. They were married on August, 31 1963 and, after a short time in Indiana, they embraced the Army life, traveling, making friends all over the world, and always welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood. She never met a stranger. Language was never a barrier, which led to “adopted” family members in Germany and throughout the Army community.
After raising a family and getting both of her girls through college, she proved that you are never too old to learn. She returned to school and became an RN. She loved caring for elderly patients and hearing their stories. She was willing to try about anything—oil painting, ceramics, sewing, gardening, baking, genealogy, and more. Her desire to keep learning about the world around her never faded and she actively read until her last day.
She was often seen in purple or blue to cheer on her favorite basketball teams Kansas State University and the University of Kentucky. She filled out her last bracket just days ago.
She freely gave her time, energy and treasure to create a better world. She was a member of many organizations, including Girl Scouts, General Federation of Women Clubs, VFW Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and numerous activities at College Avenue United Methodist Church. Yes, at one time she was even a clown, Mae May, cheering-up patients in nursing homes. She was always willing to jump into a Jeep or Military Ambulance with Lowell and pass out candy in a parade.
She leaves behind her husband Lowell May, sister Nancy Church, and a legacy of strong women-- her daughters Elizabeth Martineau (Gordon) and Laura Trinkle (Corey Pearl), granddaughters Rebecca Martineau (Ben) and Rachel Martineau (Edward).
We know that her grandson, Matthew Trinkle, brother Joe Franklin, and parents were waiting for her in heaven with a big hug.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thursday March 28, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday March 28, 2024 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel, with Rev. John Collins officiating. Interment will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society, Polly Ogden Chapter of the DAR, or a charity of your choice. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.