Frances Karen Atkins

On August 14, 2023, another angel went to heaven. After a life lived by her own rules Franny passed away peacefully in her sleep. She spent the last 18 months living and being cared for by the wonderful staff at Chancelor Gardens in Clearfield and the family of her youngest daughter, where she had many good friends, caregivers.

Frances Karen Atkins was born May 11, 1936, to Frances Marion Schwandt and Luther Cary Johnson in Burbank, California. She married Theodore Clark Kurtz at the age of 17 and had 3 children: Robin, Bonnie, and William. After her divorce from Theodore, she married Charles Allen Atkins, and had a daughter, Carie.

Fran spent her professional life working as an engineer. She liked to put things together and make them work. Her greatest accomplishment was the guidance system for the STINGER missile. She was very proud of developing the clean room and the certification program required by the government to maintain the program. Fran was a dedicated employee. When it became clear that her time as an engineer came to an end, she began a career as an insurance claims adjuster. She set records for the number of claims adjudicated and for promptness and diligence.

Her greatest joy was her family. Known by everyone as Granny Franny she is predeceased by her husband’s Theodore Kurtz, and Charles Atkins; her sister Velma (Penny) Flannigan, and her son William Kurtz. She is survived by daughters Robin Hennen, Bonnie Horn (Edward), Carie Thompson (Jerry), and sister Wilma, and 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and many, many special friends cultivated doing all the activities she loved.

Franny lived at least two lifetimes worth of experiences. She worked hard and played harder. When she decided to do something, she didn’t just do it, she DID IT. She loved the outdoors and being above it all with her sky diving, hang gliding and ultralights. If it could fly, she would love it!

When she joined the ski club, she went on every trip. When she played volleyball, she played every Tuesday night. When she started windsurfing, she went every Saturday. Swimming, Hang-gliding, ultra lights, diving, hiking; she did it all, and she had friends in every activity. She was always the photographer and always happy to share her skills and photos. When Franny said she would call you or send you a picture, she did.

In lieu of a service, in remembrance of Franny please do something you enjoy in her honor and think of her!