Sandra “Sandy” Franks, a nine-year member of the College custodial staff, died Saturday, June 20, at the Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was 51 and a resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
A native of Millersburg, Ohio, Sandy was born on March 2, 1964, to Mary Alice Logston Fronsman-Strouse and Paul Strouse. She was a graduate of Danville (Ohio) High School.
Sandy joined the Kenyon custodial staff on a part-time basis in September 2006. In April 2008, she became a full-time employee. She worked most recently in Ascension Hall and McBride Residence.
Sandy’s fellow custodian Linda K. Beck remembers her friend as both an observant person and a humorous one. “Sandy always knew the Kenyon buzz and all the people around her,” Beck said. “She could keep her co-workers laughing for hours with her imitations, even when it was you she was imitating. She could also pop out of nowhere — scaring people being one of her favorite activities — and she knew the best places to hide and when.”
Beck remembers Sandy as a prankster as well as a comedian. “One of my fondest memories involves Sandy pulling a prank on me,” she said. “She pretended for weeks that I had a secret admirer. Every day I would have a surprise waiting in the break room. While I loved the attention, not to mention the candies, cards, flowers and various other surprises, many of our co-workers grew concerned. Eventually, Sandy was forced to confess her undying love to put their fears to rest.
“Sandy’s work bag was also comparable to the one Mary Poppins carried, full of magical things. Her closet rivaled any (convenience store). When a craving hit, it was Sandy who could be counted on for an endless supply of candy. She was never without chocolate and at least one block of cheese. She would often know and have just what you needed to get you through the day.
“Sandy made going to work an often entertaining experience, bringing laughter into our days,” Beck said. “I know her presence will be missed, but she will be fondly remembered.”
Sandy is survived by her husband of 18 years, Andy Franks; three sons, James Grennell, Joshua Grennell and Jacob Grennell; six grandchildren; her mother; three sisters; and brother.
Family members and friends will be received from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at the Fischer Funeral Home, 403 High St., Danville, Ohio. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 471 E. Broad St., #1630, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, or at http://www.diabetes.org/donate/.