Dani Franks

Our beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, teacher, and friend, Teresa Danielle Kellett Franks, affectionately known as Dani, unexpectedly passed away due to kidney and liver failure on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, while surrounded by her loving, eternal family.

Dani was born on June 25, 1972, to Andrew and LuAnn Schiffman Kellett and grew up in West Haven, Utah. She was the third of six children, which consisted of five girls and one boy. She was the beautiful, blue-eyed blonde of the bunch, the peacemaker, the kind-hearted soul, and the protector to her younger siblings. As a child, Dani participated in many activities including piano lessons, clogging, singing and sports. Most of her youth was spent riding her horse “Dallas” and competing with the Taylor Jr. Posse in queening and rodeo competitions.

Dani graduated from Weber High School in 1990 and then went on to receive a degree from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education. She was hired by Weber County School District and began teaching second grade at Valley View Elementary. After a few years Dani transferred to West Haven Elementary and taught first and second grade throughout her career. Although challenging at times, Dani loved teaching and enjoyed watching her “kids” achieve lifelong reading, writing and math skills. She was a gifted teacher and was adored by her many colleagues and students. She was currently teaching second grade at the time of her passing. She blessed the lives of elementary school children for over 28 years.

In 1997, a coworker introduced Dani to the “guy living in her basement,” which turned out to be one of the best things to happen in her life. That guy was Steve Franks, the love of her life. They were later married and sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Bountiful, Utah temple on January 17, 1998. They were blessed with three incredible children, Ethan, Seth, and Maddie. Dani found her greatest joy in being a wife and mother and there isn't anything she wouldn't do for them. She was their teacher, their example, their confidant and their biggest fan. She provided many opportunities for her children that enabled them to participate in sports, music, student government, and so much more. She taught them the importance of reading and education and as a result, they excelled in school and are all pursuing higher degrees.

Dani was a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Gospel brought her much joy and she served in many auxiliaries including, Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. She was always willing to help, so she became the “designated” speaker at the family baptisms. Her service, faith and example blessed the lives of so many—especially her family as is evidenced by her children's sacrifice to all serve LDS missions. Maddie is currently serving in the Buenos Aires, Argentina mission.

Dani had many talents and passions. She loved reading, crafting, gardening, riding bikes, traveling, and spending time with her family. She enjoyed her many road trips to California to visit family and the ocean. She spent hours cutting and weeding vinyl for family, friends, and her children's sports teams. She took pride in her appearance and her home was immaculate, peaceful, and inviting. She loved animals and was always happy to dog sit for everyone.

Dani was a true inspiration. She faced many challenges in her lifetime and courageously battled and survived breast cancer over thirteen years ago. She was generous with her time and talents and was forever willing to help anyone. Dani was a beautiful soul and there are not enough words to describe what a truly remarkable person she was. We loved her so much and we are all completely heartbroken by her passing. We will miss her dearly, at least...until we meet again.

Dani is survived by her devoted husband Steve Franks; children Ethan (Madeline) Franks, Seth Franks, and Madelyn Franks; parents Andrew and LuAnn Schiffman Kellett; siblings, Kimberli Buchanan, Lyndi (Davey) Lowe, Jana Talbot, Wes (Angi) Kellett, Tracie (Seth) Dalton; sisters-in-law Doreen (Roger) McIntyre, and Julie (Mike) Davis; as well as many nieces and nephews. Dani was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Marilyn Franks and father-in-law Edward Franks; grandparents Glen and Beth Schiffman, Isabelle Wayman: Aunt Karen Ball; Uncle Alan Schiffman, and her brother-in-law Bryce Buchanan.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 18, at 11:00 am at the Barber Acres Ward, 3024 S 1200 W, Syracuse. Friends may visit with family on Friday, November 17th  from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 S 2000 W, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the mortuary. Interment, West Haven City Cemetery.

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