Cover photo for Lillian Frances Robken's Obituary
Lillian Frances Robken Profile Photo

Lillian Frances Robken

January 7, 1943 — September 28, 2012

Lillian Frances Miller Robken January 7, 1943 September 28, 2012 Fran/Momma/Nana completed her journey and went to live with her Lord on Friday morning. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 1, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Carl Gulley officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 30, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Lillian Frances Miller was born in Rosenberg, TX, on January 7, 1943 to Lillian Rosenbaum Miller and Melvin Gus Miller. She graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in 1961, attended Wharton Junior College, University of Houston, and South Texas College where she was a Beauty. She lived and worked in Houston, TX, where she met and married her husband of 45 years, Gary Carl Robken, Sr. They moved to Waco in 1970, raising three beautiful children and operating a successful family business, Smart Buyer Beauty and Barber Supply/Centex Sales for over 40 years. She worked at MCC Bookstore as Assistant Manager for 12 years, retiring in 2001 to live a life of leisure with her loving husband. She was an avid supporter of Lake Air Little League, proud parent and member of the Waco Christian School family; she was not only the mother of three children, but became Momma Fran to all who knew her. Frances had the most beautiful spirit that allowed her to connect, comfort, and guide all who needed faith and encouragement. She enjoyed traveling and visiting the casinos, especially the Eldorado in Shreveport, LA, whenever she had the opportunity. She was an incredible Nana to her precious grandchildren, being blessed to attend the birth of all six. In 2005 she was diagnosed with peritoneal abdominal cancer and underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy over 7 1/2 years, including clinical trials at MD Anderson in 2012. Over the past month she was cared for in her home by her family and the wonderful nurses at Bluebonnet Hospice. From her legendary "Frannie episodes" to her famous banana pudding, Nana was loved by allan angel here on earth is now an angel in heaven. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Everitt Melvin Miller. She is survived by her husband, Gary Carl Robken, Sr.; her children, Jennifer Frances Robken Martin and husband, Leroy of Little Elm, TX; Gary Carl Robken, Jr. and wife, Ashli of Waco; and Julie Ann Robken Kopp and husband, Bryan of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Garrett Carl Robken, Jacob Dwayne Robken, Raymond Jackson Kopp, Cole Miller Kopp, Gabriella Frances Martin and Catherine Nicole Martin; and her sister, Carol Ann Miller; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey

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