Obituary of JoEllen E. Franks

On Friday, September 18th 2015, JoEllen passed away at her home in Black Forest, Colorado after a long battle with ovarian cancer. JoEllen was 47 years old.JoEllen was born January 15th 1968 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Ronn and Eilene Mundlin. She and her family resided in the mountain towns of Colorado until moving to Buffalo, Wyoming in 1979.After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1986, she moved to Colorado to go to Barnes Business College. JoEllen married her high school sweetheart, Robert Franks and moved to Germany where he was stationed with the US Army. While in Germany, she and Robert enjoyed exploring several countries and enjoyed the local markets and festivals.After Germany, the Army moved them to Hinesville, Georgia where JoEllen worked at the Federal Prison in Jesup, Georgia. While in Georgia, she and Robert adopted their very unique Sheba Inu, Dutchess. After 10 years in Georgia, the Army finally sent them home to Colorado Springs, Colorado where they made their home and added another Sheba Inu, Princess. JoEllen worked for the Bureau of Prisons until she became an investigator for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. She enjoyed her time with the CBI until her diagnosis and battle with cancer forced her to retire.In 2007, JoEllen received a terminal diagnosis, but her stubborn spirit and her will to fight helped her to survive for an additional 8 ½ years. During this time she perfected her candy making skills and made her friends and family a high priority. She fought cancer like a true warrior. When she was at her sickest is when she fought at her best. Cancer never defined her; her fighting spirit is what will define her life. She will be missed.She is survived by her husband Robert, Mother, Eilene Mundlin of Boulder, Colorado, Grandmother, Margaret Hartnagle of Boulder, Colorado, Sister, June Schneider, brother-in law, Mark, Nephew, Lance and Niece, Paige of Parker, Colorado, Sister, Shelly Rankin, brother-in-law, Rob, Niece, Amanda, Nephew, Travis and Niece, Danielle of Arvada, Colorado.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, September 25, 2015 3:00PM Eastonville Cemetery Northeast Corner of Meridian and Latigo Boulevard Elbert, CO 80106 Phone: 719-328-1793 Visitation Friday, September 25, 2015 10:00AM - 12:00PM Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 6950 Shoup Road Black Forest, CO 80908 Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Friday, September 25, 2015 12:00PM - 1:00PM Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 6950 Shoup Road Black Forest, CO 80908 Phone: 719-328-1793