Marianne Frank

Marianne Frank passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on August 22, 2025, at her home surrounded by family in Leavenworth, Washington.

She was born on September 13, 1950, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to James and Marjorie (Miller) Klever. Marianne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she graduated from St. Thomas the Apostle High School in 1968 and went on to earn her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1973. In 1974, Marianne moved to Leavenworth with her partner and husband of fifty-one years, Ross Frank. She worked in the orchards of Peshastin, for Supervised Skills, the Private Industry Council, and later as a department director at the Chelan-Douglas Mental Health Center, where she cared for chronic patients with compassion and dedication.

In 1978, Marianne and Ross purchased 120 acres in the Chumstick Valley, transforming it into a registered tree farm and draft horse ranch. Together, they homesteaded the land from the ground up, working side by side while raising their two children, Brent and Brianna. In 1984, they founded Red-Tail Canyon Farm, which for 38 years welcomed guests with horse-drawn sleigh rides, hayrides, barbecues, weddings, group events, outdoor education, summer horse camps, and more. Marianne’s hospitality touched thousands—she delighted in hosting, feeding, and entertaining visitors from near and far.

Marianne was a woman of many talents and endless energy, but her greatest role was as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved traveling, camping, hiking, weaving, and tending to the farm’s beloved horses and pets. She cherished the beauty and peace of Red-Tail Canyon and took deep pride in what she and Ross built together. Beyond the farm, Marianne gave generously to her community. She served twice as president of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, sat on its board for many years, and supported countless organizations and causes throughout the valley.

Marianne is survived by her husband, Ross; her children, Brent (Jackie) and Brianna; her grandchildren, Brookelyn, Tanner, Truitt, and Tinsey Jo; and her siblings, Greg, Teresa, Anita, Julie, Laura, and John. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marjorie, her brother Tim (Karen), and many loved ones who welcomed her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Red-Tail Canyon Farm on Saturday, September 13, at 1:30 p.m.