Catherine R. Pankratz

Catherine R. Pankratz, 94, of Franklin, died at 3:16 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2014 at The Caring Place.

A daughter of David and Marie Alford Rairden, she was born in Batavia, Java on July 6, 1920.

She spent her early life in the Rockland area. She later moved to Franklin with her mother and step-father, Harry Gramlich. She was a graduate of Franklin High School.

After her graduation she went to work at the General Manifold and printing company. Later she and her husband owned and operated the Boston Shoe Store in Franklin.

Mrs. Pankratz had been an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. She had been a member of the Franklin Women's Club, The Franklin Club, Order of Eastern Star and the D.A.R. She had been a volunteer for the March of Dimes and enjoyed her weekly bridge club. Her cottage on Frenchcreek provided her with many days of relaxation.

On August 8, 1943 she married James F. Pankratz; he died on May 25, 1989.

Surviving are three children James F. Pankratz Jr, Sue Neely and her husband Carl all of Franklin and Garritt "Rick" Pankratz of Fort Myers, FL.; 4 grandchildren Tiffany Russell and her husband LaTroi, Troy Neely, David Pankratz and his wife Christine all of Franklin and James F. Pankratz III of Laurel, MD; and 7 great-grandchildren. Completing her family are a sister Virginia Lowe of Franklin and a brother Jim Gramlich and his wife Jackie of Ohio.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Sandra Pankratz.

Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W. Park St. from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 1 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Barry Jenkins, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church officiating.

Interment will follow in the Rockland Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Haiti Solar Project, 1250 Elk Street, Franklin PA 16323.