Karla Anne Franklin

Karla Anne Franklin, age 61, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away too soon on January 14, 2026, in the same town where her story began on October 7, 1964.

As a child Karla spent time living in Germany, an experience that broadened her world at an early age and sparked a lifelong love of travel. Exploring new places and cultures stayed with her, shaping her curiosity and appreciation for the world beyond home. She shared this love of travel with her family.

Karla attended Garrison Elementary School and Boston Junior High School, making deep friendships that endure to this day. She was a member of the Richmond High School Class of 82, and later became a proud graduate of Indiana University, an achievement she held close to her heart and spoke of often. A lifelong educator, Karla continued to invest in her own growth, earning her master’s degree in 2004 in Curriculum and Instruction, while working her full-time and 2 part-time jobs, and still pouring every bit of herself into her students and family. Wayne County was always home to Karla—not just a place on a map, but a community she loved deeply and served faithfully.

Karla was a lifelong educator — a calling she carried with pride and purpose. She devoted more than 25 years to Northeastern High School, both as an educator and a leader in the teacher’s union and more than 30 years to Ivy Tech. Her passion was shaping minds, offering guidance, and being the person everyone went to when life—or math—got complicated, while still being a devoted and present mom. Known affectionately as “KFR,” she survived curriculum changes, trends, and administration fluctuations with grace and grit, and she never hesitated to give caring advice about life, love, or the future. She firmly believed math was the most important thing anyone could learn because, as she loved to remind people, “you need math every single day.”

Thoughtful, kind, determined, and unapologetically stubborn, Karla brought that same energy to everything she loved. In recent years, she discovered a passion for gardening and set out to transform her backyard into a true English garden. Last summer, she took it one step further: growing her own fruits and vegetables and attempting to feed what felt like small armies with her harvest. Cooking was one of her greatest joys. She loved discovering a new recipe or reinventing a favorite, always with the goal of sharing it with as many people as possible. Never one to be bored, Karla tried a multitude of hobbies over the years and was always working on a plan for her next project. She was also very proud to be a member of the VFW auxiliary, spending most Friday nights there with her parents.

Above all else, Karla’s favorite role was being Mimi. Spending time with her granddaughter Leah was her fairytale come true. She proudly told anyone who would listen about their art projects, science experiments, and the wonderfully chaotic adventures they shared. Her love for Leah was boundless, and her pride unmistakable.

She is survived by her two sons, Kraig and Keith Rose, and her “more favorite children,” their wives, Rachel and Hannah Rose—whom she lovingly referred to as her chosen kiddos. While she adored her boys, she never missed an opportunity to make it clear that the girls had a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her only grandchild, Leah Rose, who brought her endless joy; her parents Gary & Marla Franklin, whose love, guidance, and unwavering support were constants throughout her life; and her brother, Todd Franklin, a once-pestering little brother who became a beloved friend.

Karla was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ruth and Marlowe Shendler; paternal grandparents, Leah and Crozier Franklin; and her fiancé, Randy Swager.

Karla was deeply proud of her life as a teacher, her family, and the many students and friends she touched along the way. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the meals she shared, the advice she gave freely, and the love she unwavering poured into those around her. She will be remembered for her fierce love for others, and the quiet, steady way she made the world a better place simply by showing up for everyone in her life.

Public calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at Northeastern High School, 7295 U.S. 27 N. Fountain City, IN from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All are welcome to attend and share their condolences. A brief funeral procession will follow the calling hours for close family and friends who will be attending a private funeral service. 

While we are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to Karla, the family kindly asks for privacy and time to grieve after the visitatiion.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Karla’s memory may contribute to a scholarship fund to be established. A memorial donation box will be available at the service.