Bennie Jo (Hilbers) (Hutson) Franke, 79, of Archer City, TX, died December 18, 2021 at the Olney Hamilton Hospital after mightily battling illnesses the past two years.

She was born on Dec. 28, 1941, to Bennie Charles and Evelyn (Peters) Hilbers in Archer County, TX.

Bennie Jo attended Olney High School and the Hamilton Hospital Nursing Academy, where she obtained her LVN. She later attended x-ray technician school.

Bennie Jo married Harrel "Pee Wee" Hutson and they had two children, Barry and Doug. After Pee Wee went to be with the Lord, Bennie Jo met and then married Donald Franke in May 1998 and they were happily married. With this marriage, Bennie claimed four more children, Cody, Shane, Tanya, and Dave, as her own.

She faithfully served the citizens of Archer County as a nurse, working for numerous doctors in Archer City and Olney at the medical clinics for 40 years. She loved talking to the community members she served and sharing joys and life events with all. She was an avid Reader's Digest and newspaper reader and enjoyed investing in and managing rental property.

Bennie Jo is survived by her husband Donald Franke; children Barry (Karen) Hutson, Doug Hutson, Cody (Cami) Franke, Shane (Lorna) Franke, Tanya (Joe) Dvorak, and Dave (Megan) Franke; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and her brother Charles (Jeanie) Hilbers, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Pee Wee Hutson, and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held on January 4, 2022 at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Archer City, TX with the Senior Pastor Mikey Pesqueda and Roger Deerinwater officiating. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.

Memorials or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Program, P.O. Box 756, Archer City, Texas 76351.