Memorial Mass for Twila Franzmathes, 68, of Corpus Christi, Texas will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Purcell, with Father Michael Vaught officiating.

Twila was born July 10, 1943 in LaCrosse, Kan., the daughter of Henry and Mathilda Basgall. She died Monday, Dec. 19th, 2011 in Corpus Christi.

Twila and her family moved to Chickasha in 1972, as her husband pursued a career in the oilfield. However, Twila was never content to sit idle, as she played an active role in the community. In addition to helping her husband run a successful business, she owned her own dress shop in Chickasha from 1982-1984. It was called “Twila’s Clothes Closet”. She also served as the president of the Chickasha Downtown association, managed the Petroleum Building, and served as a representative for the Republican National Committee.

Twila graduated from only the eighth grade, but her dreams of becoming an independent and successful woman kept her from being limited by her education. In 1974, she completed a realtor program, and sold real estate for Ernie Philpott. Later, she decided to complete her college education, and checked out a book from the library to complete her GED. She passed the first time, and completed her degree in Business with accreditation to teach. From there, she helped adults pursue their dreams of success as she taught at a business college.

She was preceded in death by her son, both parents, infant sister, and an infant grandson.

Survivors include daughters, Melinda Meyer of Great Bend, Kan., her children, LeNee and Lane; Elizabeth Kuhlman of Newcastle, her children, Micah and Jacob Robert; and a son, Bruce Krom of Great Bend, Kan., and his son Jacob Phillip Henry.

Interment will be at the Newcastle Cemetery. Flowers can be sent to Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell, OK.