Garnett Pearl Franklin

Garnett Franklin, 92 of Holbrook, peacefully passed away at home on July 8, 2006. Born in Dewey, OK on April 10, 1914, her family moved around quite a bit when she was a small child, settling in Holbrook when she was 6 years old. She has been a resident of Holbrook for 86 years. She worked for the Holbrook Tribune as a photographer and writer. Garnett was a very talented painter. She was instrumental in establishing the Holbrook Historical Museum, and also a member of the State Historical Society. She was honored as one of the state's Culture Keepers, was previously named Woman of the Year by the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and was well known for her many community involvements. She was also honored by the City of Holbrook by their declaration of "Garnett Franklin Day" a few years ago. Garnett is survived by her son James A. Gerwitz of Scottsdale, daughter Mary Gail Taylor of Phoenix, stepson Chris Franklin of Phoenix, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Services are scheduled for Monday, July 17, 2006 at 1:00 pm at the Holbrook Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the visitation beginning at 10:30 of the same morning, also at the Stake Center. Memorial contributions in Garnett's honor may be made to The Arizona Historical Society, 949 E. Second St., Tucson, AZ 85719. Owens Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.