Erma (Doughty) Franks

RHINEBECK — Erma (Doughty) Franks, 90, of Rhinebeck passed away Jan. 11, 2012, at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck.She was born Sept. 15, 1921, in Millerton, to Mae (Hatch) and Roy Doughty. She graduated from Millerton High School in1938. In April 1943, she married Ellwood Franks, also of Millerton. Erma and Ellwood started and ran a successful express company, Frank’s Express, and Erma managed the bookkeeping for the company. She was also a homemaker and mother to Gay and Candy — always making sure a home-cooked dinner was ready for family and friends.Erma believed in a life of service and was very active in the Millerton Methodist Church, organizing bake sales, co-chairing the annual Christmas Bazaar, and co-chairing the Summer Thrift Shop for many years. She served as Grand Chaplain when Ellwood was Grand Patron for the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York. They traveled all over the state for this cause for 25 years and made many lasting friendships. She was a member for more than 50 years, most recently of the Beekman Chapter.Erma is survived by her two daughters, Gay Crowley-Daly of Rutland, Vt., and Candace Franks Potter and her husband, Bill Potter, of Rhinebeck; three grandchildren, Daniel Crowley of Rutland, Melissa Potter of Whitsett, N.C., and Abigail Clough of Rotterdam, N.Y.; her great-grandchildren, Braeden Rhys and Gage Leman Potter-Gendle of Whitsett and Payton Crowley of Rutland; and her nieces and nephews.Her husband, Ellwood died in August 1982. In addition she was predeceased by her three siblings, Helen Fenn, William Doughty and Richard Doughty.Erma moved to Rhinebeck in 1990 and lived with Candy and Bill for 17 years, sharing their home and family life. There were always homemade cookies, a smile and a nod of encouragement from Erma to her family. While in Rhinebeck, she was a member of the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church. She also volunteered for the Lutheran Braille Workers for many years.In March 2007, Erma went to live at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck and she quickly assimilated herself into the routine of the home. She participated in activities and was friendly and kind to all. She enjoyed the warm greetings and visits by the staff.Candy and Bill wish to thank the wonderful, caring and skilled staff of the Baptist Home and they give a sincere thank you to the C-Wing team for always considering Erma’s needs as important, and for handling her with care, dignity and respect.Funeral services were held Jan. 16 from the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church. Interment followed in the Irondale Cemetery, Millerton.Memorial donations my be made to the Baptist Home at Brookmeade, 46 Brookmeade Drive, Rhinebeck, NY 12572; or the Rhinebeck United Methodist Church, 83 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572.Arrangements are under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home in Rhinebeck.To send an online condolence, go to www.dapsonchestney.com.