Iva Marie (Erckenbrack) Franks was born July 19, 1956, in Coos Bay, Oregon, to Cleo and Sylvia (Koski) Erckenbrack.
Maria’s family moved around a bit until settling into their family home on St. Paul Hill in Raymond, Washington.
Maria moved back into the family home on St. Paul Hill in 1991 and remained there until her illness forced her into the Willapa Harbor Health Care Center.
Maria graduated with honors from Raymond High School in 1974. She briefly attended Grays Harbor College. On Dec. 20, 1974, Maria married Hessie Lorton Jr. Together they had two children: Amy and Christopher “Fur” Lorton. Maria and Hess later divorced.
Maria worked several years in the oyster industry. On Aug. 12, 1995, she married David “Bugzy” Frank. Maria quit working to stay home to help raise Bugzy’s two young children: Chris and Samantha Frank. Maria was a great parent to all of her children and an extremely loving grandparent to all of her grandchildren, attending all school events and games when she was physically able to do so. Even though Maria suffered from several debilitating illnesses for the last 20 years of her life, she courageously remained a powerful and loving influence for her family and friends right until her death.
Maria passed away June 5, 2021. Maria is survived by her husband David “Bugzy” Frank, daughter Amy (John) Stigall of South Bend, son Christopher “”Fur” (Misti) Lorton of Raymond, daughter-in-law (Claire) Frank of Spokane, stepson Chris (Amber) Frank of Vancouver, and stepdaughter Samantha (Michael) Eller of Cathlamet.
Maria is also survived by her granddaughters that meant everything to her along with all her grandbabies: KellyAnn Graves, Katlyn Stigall, Summer Stigall, Trevor Graves, John Stigall Jr., David Frank, Grayson Frank, Ella Frank, Gage Frank, Jonah Frank, Roselyn Eller and Calvin Eller.
Also surviving Maria is her sister Sylvia (Doc) Lorton of Bay Center and many nieces and nephews. Maria is preceded in death by her stepson David Frank.
Maria’s family and close friends will be having a get together at a later date.
Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond, Washington. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.
