Phranquee' Banae Binkerd, of Murray, Utah, in the 14th year of her life, died Saturday, March 6, 1993, the victim of a tragic handgun incident.
She was born October 24, 1978 in Salt Lake City to Frank Albert Binkerd and Bethea (Buffie) C. Binkerd.Phranquee' was a woman/child of contrast. She was a beautiful child with brilliant green eyes--the color of grass--and an enchanting smile, who enthusiastically explored the world around her, as all 14-years-olds do. She could be willful and contrary, and yet insightful and loving towards others. She would be thrilled at the prospect of riding on her friend Spencer's Harley Davidson, dressing up to go to concerts, and listening to heavy metal music. And yet, she clung to her precious teddy bears and the porcelain dolls she had so carefully and lovingly crafted, and she enjoyed playing the flute. She dreamed and planned to learn to fly--her life's ambition.
She passionately cared for young children, never missing an opportunity to be with them and equally never missed an opportunity to be with the elderly. She didn't view growing old as dreadful, but rather as a time when a person gained wisdom and character. She was a certified baby sitter, an assistant coach for Valley Community Special Olympics and a student at Hillcrest Junior High School.
She is survived by her parents, of Murray; brothers, Andrew Ian Binkerd, Murray; Kelly Frank Binkerd, Holladay; sisters, Helen Hussey, Murray; and JoLynn Gandy, Denver, Colo.; step-grandfather, Elmer Hartvigsen, Salt Lake City; her nieces, Frances Ryan Binkerd (her best and special friend--Frankie has lost Phranquee'), Brittany Porath; her nephew, Kelly F. Binkerd II; her uncle and aunt, Ray and Joanne Binkerd; and many step-cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Helen C. Hartvigsen, and grandfather, Harry S. Bahen, and loving step-grandmother, Neva Bahen-Beetz, and Nedra Binkerd, and her "Grandma B."
As her family, we don't want Phranquee' to be regarded simply as another statistic--another child senselessly killed by a handgun--a totally avoidable happening. Phranquee' has no future, but if anything of good is to come of this tragedy, we ask owners of weapons to appropriately secure them and to educate their families of the responsibility and potential life-snuffing consequences that comes in ownership /possession of such weapons.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 13, 1993, at 2 p.m., at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to services. She will be interned in her grandmother's grave at a later date.
The family suggests donations in the name of Phranquee' Banae Binkerd to Valley Community Special Olympics, 3720 So. 580 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
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