DELPHOS – Mary Ann Franklin, 94, of Delphos, passed away Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025 at her daughter’s home with her family by her side.

She was born May 5, 1931 to Leonard and Agnes (Gremling) Klier, who both preceded her in death. On Oct. 28, 1950 she married Jed Franklin, who preceded her in death June 4, 1991.

Mary is survived by her daughter/caregiver, Mary Lou (Rick) Knebel of Delphos; daughters, Debbie Franklin of Spencerville, Millie Hellman of Delphos and Karen Franklin of Tennessee; sons, Jerry (Sandy) Franklin of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Jody (Christine) Franklin of Lima, Gary (Melinda) Franklin of California, and Steve (Diane) Franklin of Upper Sandusky; 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Patty (Ron) Clemens of Oakwood.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Ralphie Franklin; son-in-law, Timothy Hellman; two grandchildren, Nathan Knebel and Donald Riordan II; a great-grandchild, Rachel Hellman-Malouf; a brother, Buddy Klier; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosie (Buss) Brown and Betty (Ed) Osting.

Mary was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 3035.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved watching her great-grandchildren grow. She always said “I have a suitcase always packed, will travel.” Mary was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

The family is greatly appreciative of the care she received from Delphos CHP and Hospice, especially her nurse, Nancy Haunhorst.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 28 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a VFW Auxiliary service will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Parish Wake Service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Professionals or St. John’s Parish Foundation.  Online condolences may be shared at weberfh.net.