Frances Elizabeth Schultz

Frances Elizabeth Schultz, lovingly known as Fran, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, just two months shy of her 105th birthday. She was 104 years young.

Fran was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, on March 30, 1921. From an early age, she possessed a deep curiosity for the world and a love of adventure that stayed with her throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she attended San José State University before beginning her career as a dental assistant in downtown San Francisco.

While in San Francisco, Fran met Herbert F. Tolbert-affectionately known as "Red"-at a USO dance. Their connection was immediate, and they were married within the month. Together they welcomed two daughters, Constance and Janis, and embarked on a life shaped by military service and travel. Fran and Red were stationed in Adak, Alaska, before it became a state, and later at NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor, Washington. It was there that they fell in love with the area and made it their permanent home.

Fran became deeply rooted in the Oak Harbor community. She was a founding member of the Presbyterian Church, where she also served faithfully as a Deacon. She was active in the Emblem Club, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Hospital Guild, where she especially delighted in modeling in the Guild's annual fashion show. Professionally, Fran worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Koetje Agency, earning respect for her reliability and sharp mind.

After Red's passing in 1973, Fran eventually found love again and married Alvin Schultz, who preceded her in death in 1981.

Adventure remained one of Fran's greatest joys. Her life was filled with extraordinary experiences, including riding an elephant through the jungles of Thailand in her 70s, riding a camel in Morocco in her 80s, and dining with ship captains on multiple cruises she enjoyed throughout her life. Her stories were as rich and colorful as the life she lived.

Fran also had a gift for hospitality. She loved entertaining family and friends, and her home was always open-especially during happy afternoon hours, where laughter, conversation, and connection were never in short supply.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Herbert F. "Red" Tolbert and Al Schultz; her daughter, Constance "Connie" Van Dyk; her sons-in-law, Mike Sullivan and Garland Haynes; and her beloved grandson, Weston Haynes.

She is survived by her daughter, Janis Haynes (Jim Gleaves); son-in-law, Gerald Van Dyk, her grandchildren, Kim Olsen, Kelly Leckelt (Kent), and Zack Haynes; her great-grandchildren, Lacy Daniels, Vanessa Mullis (Cam), Caden Leckelt, and Hartley Haynes; and her great-great-grandson, Jack Daniels.

Fran will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her devotion to family and community, her elegance, and her remarkable zest for life. Her legacy of love, resilience, and curiosity will live on through the many lives she touched.