Mary Frances Kinzer

Mary Frances Kinzer, died peacefully surrounded by her children at home in College Place, in her 93rd year.  She was born in Portland, Oregon, grew up in Sumner, WA, and attended Auburn Academy in Auburn, WA and Walla Walla College.  She married her high school sweetheart, Meade Kinzer, on his return from service in the U.S. Marine Corps at the end of WWII.

Throughout her life she wore many extraordinary hats as a loving wife, mother, aunt, friend and neighbor.  She was creative as a seamstress, gardener, cook, an artist with oil paints and yarn, was awarded blue and purple ribbons at the SE Washington Fair.  As a proud citizen of the USA she was an independent thinker and avid reader.  She devoted a portion of her summers to travel across America with her sister-in-law Lila Meilicke in order to spend time with their husbands (Meade Kinzer, catcher, and Gordon Meilicke, short stop, on the road with The King and His Court fast pitch softball team).  As co-owners of the Totem Out Grocery Store in College Place, she and Lila filled summer days managing the store.  She gave each moment the energy it deserved and made certain her children were always engaged in productive activities through the years.  She is tenderly remembered for her loyalty to her children and their friends.

After her fourth child started school, Frances embarked on a 30-year career as buyer for art and school supplies at the WWC Book Store.  A highlight of their lives was the years she and Dad hosted weekly Bible studies in their home.  Because of who Mom and Dad were we children brought our extended families home for vacation each summer.  In her retirement she took on volunteer work at the Carnegie Art Center and the WWU Church where she was a member for many years.  she knitted beautiful afghans for family, friends, neighbors and Veterans; and, baby caps for newborns at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

She is preceded in death by, Clyde and Grace Nelson; siblings, George, Kenneth and Gracie; and her husband, Meade Kinzer.

She is survived by her four children, Kathryn (Don) Grosse, Sylvia Lou (Roger) Blanchfield, Steve (Cindy) Kinzer, and Joan Kinzer; four grandchildren, Loralee Sandoval, Jeff Grosse, Julie Larson and Brett Blanchfield; nine great grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to her physicians, Dr. Michael Wilcox for his insightful watch care and Dr. Scott Hutson for two brand new perfect knees which she enjoyed for many years.  For their gracious and compassionate care during Mom’s final months we thank caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care, independent caregivers and Walla Walla Community Hospice.

Mary Frances is beloved and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.  We will miss our evening prayers together and hearing her close with, “Good night Jesus, I’ll see you in the morning.”

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 3 p.m. in the Walla Walla University Heubach Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Gospel Outreach, Christian Aid Center, or Walla Walla University Worthy Student Fund through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla.