Frankie Diana Franklin passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, she was 79. Mom requested no funeral, but rather have her ashes scattered in Colorado. If you feel compelled, please donate in Mom's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.

Diana was born in Sayre, Oklahoma, on January 8, 1946, to Dave and Shirley Arteberry. While growing up in Sayre, she had wonderful memories of helping with the family's diner on Route 66 as a carhop. She played the snare drum in the school band and cheered for the Sayre Eagles. Her junior year, she met and later married Hershel Franklin on September 3rd, 1963. They lived in several communities in western Oklahoma while Hershel preached for the Church of Christ. During these years she had two children, Kimberly on November 20th, 1965, and Benjamin on February 6, 1971. She obtained her bachelor's in teaching from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). Later, she would reminisce that being a young preacher's wife was a wonderful time in her life.

The family moved to Elk City, Oklahoma in 1979. Diana started Dicor Mineral Company, which was a very successful mineral leasing business. Once the oil boom subsided, she earned her master's degree from SWOSU and was involved in several business ventures, including Movie Madness, a video rental store in Weatherford, Oklahoma. She also sold real estate for Wilson Realty in the Elk City area and began purchasing rental houses.

The next chapter of her life started when marrying Dr. Bill Spurlock on April 15th, 2000. They enjoyed flying with the Short Wing Piper Club. Diana continued her rental business and became a real estate appraiser. In her retirement, she started the Democrat Coffee Party. Her passion for politics earned her an invitation to the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and a seat on the Oklahoma State Election Board. She enjoyed volunteering at the Route 66 Museum in Elk City for many years. She would tell travelers from all over the world about growing up on Route 66. Attending all her grandchildren's events and graduations was the highlight of her life.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Shirley Arteberry; her bother Gardner Arteberry; sisters, Joan Fuchs, Clyda Ellen Reynolds, Davey Sue Thomas; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim Waters, and her husband, Steve of Booneville, Arkansas. Her son, Benjamin Franklin and his wife Dr. Rachel Franklin, of Oklahoma City. Her cherished grandchildren: Cody Waters, Niki Waters, Emma Franklin, and Jack Franklin. One surviving sister Mattie Gail Thompson and many nieces and nephews. Ex-husbands: Hershel and Bill. Lifelong friends include Jan Hardin, Annette Murphy, Joan Wilson, Melita Meyer, Kay Worley, and many others.

Mom would want to be remembered as an entrepreneur and for her passion for travel. She loved listening to Roger Miller, sitting on her deck overlooking Foss Lake, and her family.

Though our family is small, our love is immense.

Mom, you will be missed.

With love, Kim and Ben.