Rita Rae Franks

Rita R. Franks, age 80, a resident of Woodruff, WI, passed away February 5, 2026, at Seasons of Life Hospice House. She was born on March 31, 1945, to parents Arthur and Emma LaFave.

She graduated from DC Everest Senoir High. She attended North Central Technical Institute studying mechanical drafting and went to diesel driving school. She drove long haul for a period of time. She became the first city of Wausau female bus driver, as well as driving school bus for children. She also worked at Little Elf Daycare with her sister Ellen and helped take care of her grandson.

Her favorite hobbies were drawing, crocheting, and hand sown quilting. She was always very matter of fact. In her later years when she could not draw, she loved to color. She loved to go to stores and drive her motorized wheelchair all over looking at everything.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Paul Franks; parents; sister: Arden LaFave-Degner. She is survived by her children: Forrest (Jennifer) Franks, Brenda (Edward) Stauske, Matthew (Denise) Franks; grandchildren: Daniel Franks, Aaron (Selina) Franks, Amaila Franks, Michael Franks, Carissa (Ben) Blasel; great grandchildren: Hailey Franks, Sydney Blasel, Rebecca Blasel; sister: Ellen Domka-Cheuka; many cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026, at the Glass Nickel in Wausau, WI.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, WI, for the amazing care given to Rita.