Francine “Grandma Frankie” Rae Anderson

Francine Rae Anderson, known by all as Grandma Frankie, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, June 13 after suffering a major cerebral hemorrhage. She was never expected to survive her first bleed in 2007, nor the second in 2014. Although she was legally blind and mobility was difficult, she was able to live on her own until the end. Her faith never faltered, and she was a faithful prayer warrior.

Frankie (Sauter) was born on November 25, 1947, in Spirit Lake Idaho. She had many fond memories of days at the lake and growing up with her best friend, and future sister-in-law, Jo. Spending time at her Grandpa and Grandma Beeman’s house was always her favorite. In 1967, she married Cecil Anderson and moved to Bellingham, WA. Though they only had two daughters, their home was always filled with extra kids. She was a mom to anyone who needed one, supporting her girls in their activities, and loving on everyone she could. Frankie was one of the first instructional assistants at Harmony Elementary School, taught CEF Goodnews Clubs and Sunday school, and spent many summers volunteering at Vacation Bible School. She also taught women’s Bible study at Whatcom County jail for 25 years.

When the grandkids came, Cec and Frankie put in a pool, beginning many years of fun memories. After Cec died of a brain tumor in 2010, Grandma Frankie turned the shop into a place for teens to hang out. It was a favorite place for her grandkids and their friends, and the youth group from Rome Community Bible Church. There were always cookies in the freezer, candy in the jars, and juice pouches in the fridge.

After her second brain bleed in 2014, Grandma Frankie moved to a little house behind her daughter Bobbie’s house. Everyone was welcome and once again, there was always candy in the jars. She loved her family deeply and found so much joy in her eight great grandkids. Going to lunch with her niece Kris, long visits with her nephew Paul, and visits from old friends were highlights for her.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cecil, and her older brother Jack Sauter. She is survived by her brother Rocke Sauter; her daughters Bobbie Gilmore and husband Keith, and Jacki Johnson and husband Dane; grandchildren Derek and Sara Johnson, Brett and Natalie Johnson, Tim and Jamie Tikhonov, Isaac and Martha Gilmore, Jack and Josie Roosma, Rebekah Gilmore; and eight great grandchildren.

We will celebrate Grandma Frankie’s life on Friday, June 21. Graveside service will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, 5977 Northwest Dr., at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Hwy., at 1:00 with a reception to follow.