Proving the two certainties in life, death and taxes, Peggy Gayle Frank passed away peacefully in her bed, surrounded by love, on April 15, 2020. After three years of wagering a much stronger battle than pancreatic cancer had bargained for, her Lord and Savior decided it was time for her to come home.
She leaves behind a wonderful family and kitchen full of memories, cookbooks, and seemingly hundreds of other assorted utensils. Her family is now left to figure out their use. Luckily, she handed down her passion and skill set in the kitchen to her daughter, who now by default becomes responsible for the utensil inventory and disbursement.
In August of 1956 she was born the daughter of Gale (deceased) and Esther (Poppe) Doner in Salina, KS. Throughout her 63 wonderful years she touched countless lives. Every person she interacted with felt as though they were, at that moment in time, the most important thing in the world. Her charm, charisma, and kindness were infectious. Many described this amazing wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, and Gigi as “a bright light,” “a sparkle,” and “special.”
Growing up in both Salina and Wichita with her siblings, Greg and Phyllis who both sorely miss and survive her, she learned to love both communities. On February 9, 1974, her travels brought her back to Salina, and in the pre-pandemic days when bars were open, made an appearance at The Pub on Broadway with her best friend at the time. That night a young man full of machismo and a need of refinement made a lasting impression on Peggy. So much so that when he sent her a Valentine’s Day card the following week, she had to ask her friend “Who the hell is Joe Frank?”
May 1, 2020 would have marked 44 generally magnificent years of marriage for Joe and Peggy. Her husband was her best friend, rock, and advocate, none more so than the past three years. He misses her more than words can describe.
In their prime Joe and Peggy loved to travel, especially to beach destinations. Happiness for Peggy was simply sitting by a pool or beach, with a book or magazine in one hand and a drink in the other, alongside friends and/or family.
Some say the smartest thing Peggy and Joe ever did was have children. Andy and Nicole Frank, Jeff and Kit Frank, and Rebecca (Frank) and Matt Nykiel wish every day she remained a text or phone call away as she had been their entire lives. They provided seven terrific grandkids that absolutely adored the lady they called Gigi.
Ainsley, Josephine (Joey, and Emmylou; Waylon, Boone, and their soon-to-be brother; and Cooper & Tucker were the pride of Gigi’s life. She could not wait to be a Gigi and once given the opportunity she was the best. The absolute best. Able to reach her grandkids on every level possible, she loved nothing more than baking cookies, going shopping, or reading a book with her grandkids. It was impossible to tell who enjoyed the moments more, Gigi or the grandkids.
While being a homemaker and putting family first, she also found time and joy in being a part of two elite sisterhoods: her local PEO chapter and the HMB’s, a group of elite shopping and traveling assassins. Both groups provided her great joy, on wildly different levels.
Peggy was always quick to help when asked, or when she saw the need for support. Her selflessness was natural and genuine, invariably putting those around her first. This characteristic was evident in her involvement at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, lending advice on home decorating, comforting those in times of need, or being ever available to simply listen.
She possessed a powerful, unwavering faith that stood as a testament to how she lived. She embraced the belief that life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences, rather God’s plan for everyone. Through this belief she inspired those around her and made them better people, never seeking praise nor recognition, only humbly asking they continue to love and encourage each other in their daily lives.
Peggy will be greatly missed by many but never, ever forgotten. Her husband and children continue to make it their mission to instill every bit of Gigi in her grandchildren and the world around them.
A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or PEO Chapter BW, care of Ryan Mortuary.