Minton Marie Flanagan-Franklin, age 31 of Fort Shaw, passed away in a vehicle accident on Ramble Inn Road on September 20, 2014. A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, September 24 at 2:00pm at Fort Shaw Bible Church (13348 MT HWY 200). Burial will follow at 4:00pm at Sun River Cemetery.

Minton was born into this world a happy, bubbly baby girl who loved to play and enjoy all of what life had to offer her as a child, teenager and adult. She spent the first eight years of her life in Casper, WY until she moved with her family to Texas City, TX where she was raised and graduated from High School in 2001. She went on to receive a welding degree from College of the Mainland in Texas City. Minton was a dedicated softball player and umpire from the age of 11 through her adult years. She loved the game and hoped to pass it down to her children.

She had moved in with Derrick’s grandparents, Reverend Joseph and Marilyn Franklin, and thus began her life journey with Derrick. In 2012 they were married and two years later made the decision to move the Franklin family to Montana. They made their home in Fort Shaw and Minton was greatly loved by her community. She has a huge amount of extended family & friends, as she touched everyone she came in contact with throughout her life.

She was first and foremost a woman of God and helped spread God’s word and love everywhere she went. She was known for her love of all people, even if they didn’t love her, and she always kept a bright smile and a happy, positive attitude. She loved her children and husband with her entire being and was a wonderful mom who always put her family first.

Minton leaves behind her loving husband, Derrick Franklin of Fort Shaw; an 11-month-old daughter, Zena Trinity Minton Franklin; 8 year old son, Gavin Drake Franklin and 6 year old son, Lucian Connor Franklin; parents, Dan & Vicki Flanagan or Fort Shaw; sister, Mandie (Bill) Melton of Glendive; brothers Erin (Eileen) Flanagan of Tamuning, Guam and Nickolaus (Ashley) Flanagan of Texas City, TX; grandfather, Ken Kraft; nephews, Even Flanagan and Korby Melton; and nieces, Kiera & Karina Melton and Ella Flanagan.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Russell David Flanagan; uncle, Russell David Flanagan; grandmothers, Mary Flanagan and Audrey Kraft; Drusilla Franklin; and grandfather, Jack Flanagan.

An account has been established at Russell Country Federal Credit Union to benefit the Flanagan-Franklin Children. Donations may be address to the credit union at 810 1st Ave South, Great Falls, MT 59401 C/O Benefit Flanagan-Franklin Children.

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