Iris Marie Fultz

Iris Marie (Heilman) Fultz, age 51, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by the family who loves her on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a courageous 12-month battle with lung cancer. She was born on May 31, 1974, in Lebanon, PA, to Vincent and Jane Heilman.
Iris was truly one of a kind. She had a sharp tongue, a quick wit, and absolutely no patience for nonsense. In fact, most of you reading this obituary probably annoyed her at one time or another. But underneath that tough exterior was a woman with an enormous heart-especially when it came to her family.
Her pride and joy were her children, Reed Marlin ("baby-boy") Fultz and Annabelle Marie ("Toots") Fultz. She showered them with love, hugs, and kisses at every opportunity. Iris was always there for them-attentive, nurturing, and a fantastic listener who helped them navigate life's twists and turns. She raised them with strong values and a great sense of humor-and yelled at them multiple times a day. They're turning into fine adults thanks to her love and guidance.
Iris is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Chad Fultz. They met at the Depot, a York College bar, where Chad was immediately drawn to her beautiful hair and infectious smile. Their love story quickly blossomed, and they eloped on October 8, 2004. Chad is immensely proud of the life and family they built together. He will forever cherish her memory and miss her deeply for the rest of his days.
Iris loved spending time outdoors with her family-whether it was watching sunsets in the mountains of Potter County, watching her kids wade in creeks catching crayfish and snails, or sitting by the ocean listening to the waves crash. Her sense of adventure and appreciation for the simple things made every moment special.
Her strong family values came from her parents and siblings. She was the fourth of six siblings, with four sisters (Gretchen, Megan, Rachael, and favorite sister Adrienne) and one (poor, outnumbered) brother, Eric. Their bond was unshakable. Despite living about an hour apart, Iris spoke to them nearly every day. They shared in life's highs and lows together, never losing the closeness they'd built since childhood. She hosted the family's Christmas Eve celebration every year and somehow made the chaos feel like magic. Iris was also a beloved aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and a proud great-aunt to one great-nephew.
As a kid, Iris found her competitive streak on the basketball court at Lebanon Catholic High School, earning a state championship in 1992 and scoring 26 points. She played with determination, grit, and just the right amount of trash talk. That same fire carried into every part of her life. She was passionate, fierce, and never backed down from a challenge.
Iris did not want to be defined by a list of accomplishments. Instead, she wanted you to know how to live a life worth living. Enjoy the simple things in life. Love your spouse, children, family, and friends deeply. Go on a trip. Get your hands dirty. Enjoy great food and drink. Find a hobby that makes you happy. And for heaven's sake, don't buy your kids any more stuffed animals-and never wear white after Labor Day.
We ask that you remember Iris not for the way her life ended, but for how she lived it-with boldness, heart, laughter, and a spirit that left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.
A visitation will be held on July 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a service immediately following at 12 noon, at John W. Keffer Funeral Home, located at 2114 W. Market St., York, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Our Lady of the Cross School at www.ourladyofthecross.org.