Allene Kay Franklin

Jan 12, 1936 -

May 19, 2022

Our beloved Allene Kay Franklin died of lung cancer on May 19, 2022, at the age of 86. She passed peacefully in her home in Goodyear, Ariz., just as she wished.

Born in Texas in 1936, she moved to Alaska as a teenager and immediately fell in love with the state. She was an amazing artist, carrying a sketchbook wherever she went. She also was a talented writer, poet and musician. She spent many years as a campground host in Denali National Park, painting the animals and mountains she loved, and entertaining all with her accordion. She leaves an enormous hole in all of our lives.

Allene was preceded in death by her husband, John Franklin; stepson, John Franklin; and brother, Richard Unruh.

She is survived by her daughter, Wendy DiCaprio and husband Gary; son, Douglas Franklin and wife Joyce Mayer; stepdaughter, Margaret Franklin; grandchildren, Justin DiCaprio, Hannah, Samuel, Maxwell, and Lucy Franklin, Meghan Madison, Lila Pearman, Madelyn Pearman and Katie Bounds; and brother, David Unruh.

If you would like to pay tribute to her memory, or pass on any stories you may have, please visit our memorial page at https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/AlleneFranklin/. We would love to hear any stories you may have to share.