Obituaries
Grace Ann Schanz, 86
January 02, 2024
It is with sadness we share that Grace A. Schanz, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes after a two-day illness at Lancaster General Hospital, Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Grace would have celebrated her 87th birthday, January 19, 2024.
Grace had a warrior spirit and was a fearless and faithful friend and companion to many. She treasured the many friendships she formed, particularly later in life with the team of people she came to call family at the Lyndon Diner in Lancaster. She enjoyed her dinner group of many years from the Eden Resort, and valued and treasured the friends in her neighborhood that were always just a phone call away.
She was the long-time companion and friend of Thelma M. Tucker, with whom she resided for 40 years in Lancaster. Thelma was a faithful friend and was always by Grace’s side. They traveled together, shared life together and were rarely, if ever, apart from one another. Most recently, Grace and Thelma added Carol Greenawalt to their circle of daily walking and Lyndon Diner rituals to their lives. Grace became close to the team members of her daughter-in-law’s company, Laura Schanz Consulting Associates, Katie Williamson, Kelly Martin, and Erica Moe. Grace was always grateful for the special care and support Erica provided with open hands and open heart.
Grace had a unique talent and gift for making friends wherever she went, often learning the details of their lives and their favorite candy or cookie which she would then share generously and often with them. Whether at a bank, a medical providers office or in her travels, she was always quick to offer encouragement, a compliment, a joke or funny story or kind word to everyone she met.
Grace was returning to her faith roots begun at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, by accompanying Thelma to Muddy Creek Lutheran Church where Pastor Peter Schwabe-Fry and the warm and welcoming congregants provided an overwhelming welcome back and care for Thelma and Grace.
Grace was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 1463, Lititz, PA, American Legion Auxiliary Post 34, Amvets Auxiliary Post 19, The Rainmakers Association and Riverside Camping Association, all of Lancaster, PA. and was deeply patriotic and grateful to those who served her country.
In addition to her daily walks at Overlook Community Center, Target Store at Belmont or Park City Center, Grace enjoyed music, traveling frequently with Thelma on cruises to the Caribbean and yearly to Virginia Beach to see the Christmas light displays in their earlier years.
Grace graduated from Solanco High School, Quarryville, PA and served for many years in food preparation and production with the former Service America, Lancaster, PA where she was known for her consistency, sense of humor, dependability and focus on quality.
Grace was born in New Providence Township, (Truce), PA, daughter of Oscar M. and Anna Mary (Lyons) Bonholtzer. In addition to her closest friend, Thelma Tucker, Lancaster, Grace is survived by her son Kerry K. Schanz. She is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as her two beloved daughters-in-law, Anne Schanz (Jerry) and Laura Schanz (Terry). She was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Bonholtzer, sisters, Frances B. (Bonholtzer) Metzler, Evelyn B. (Bonholtzer) Summers, Verna (Bonholtzer) Groff, sons, George G. Schanz (Jerry) and Terry T. Schanz whom she deeply missed, and by Terry’s son and her grandson Kyle T. Schanz.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, 1411 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. A life celebration will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, 17543, on Sunday, January 7, 2024 with a Viewing at 4:00 PM and Life Celebration at 5:00 PM. Interment will be private.
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Condolences to the Family
January 12, 2024
Dear Kerry,
In this difficult time may the many fond memories surround you. Your mom was a truly remarkable woman and will be missed by many. Ray A. Wolownik, CPA
January 12, 2024
Dear Thelma,
So sorry for your loss of a truly faithful friend. I have so many fond memories of you and Grace coming to my office during the Tax Season. She will be missed by many. Ray A Wolownik, CPA
January 07, 2024
Dear Thelma,
It is with great sadness that I heard about Grace’s recent departure. She will be deeply missed by you, her family, and many triends! She was for many years, a great and faithful patient
J Harold Mohler MD
January 07, 2024
I’ve known Grace for a number of years and she was one of my favorite people. Always a smile and a good word to everyone. She will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest condolances to Thelma and her family. Sue Ressler
January 07, 2024
Memory’s of Christmas eve gatherings with Grace, Thelma and family will always remain in our hearts. Very blessed to have had her as an aunt and a friend. Memory’s of spending my younger years with my aunt and her children will always remain with me. Vickie
January 07, 2024
We had the priveledge of meeting Grace, Thelma & Carol on their walks throughout Belmont. She quickly took a liking to our dog, Leo. When Leo saw them walking he took off running every time to greet them. Grace never missed asking Leo if he got McDonalds recently. We were very saddened to read of her passing. We will miss seeing you and so will LEO! Chris, Nichele & Leo Palermo
January 06, 2024
When I worked at the Eden, Grace would come in to Garfield’s and stop in our sales office every time with a treat for us girls. She had a great sense of humor and always had us laughing. She would always put a smile on our faces when she came in the door. What a wonderful and caring human being. My sympathies to her family. I’m sure she’s up there in Heaven with her bag of candy!
Pat
January 05, 2024
Our thoughts & prayers are w/ Thelma & Grace’s family. Grace & Themla were the most loyal & steadfast friends to my gramdmother, Mary Ranck. Grace had such a loving spirit & spread that love, so generously to others. Rest in peace, sweet Grace.
The Ranck Family
January 04, 2024
I met Grace when I was a kid; moving into maxson road. She was our neighbor growing up. Grace and Thelma have always been so kind to my family and I. She was a wonderful, kind, strong lady who always had a smile on her face. Some memories I would love to share; Christmas time when we were young her and Thelma would have us over as a family; christmas apps, snacks, and candy set up downstairs for us. Bringing my dad a cold beer on a hot day as he was mowing the grass. And cutting the green beans ends off for her she would have bags of them, and she always had the best looking lawn in the neighborhood ( sorry dad 😝)She took such good care her and Thelma and was so proud of it. She will be missed but never forgotten. My condolences to Thelma and the family. 🙏🏼❤️🩹
Jessica Irizarry
January 04, 2024
My sincere sympathies are sent to the family of Grace .I met her about 10 yrs.ago while taking an aerobic class at the roller rink.She would be there walking and you could not help not to be a friend as soon as she met you. She would finish her walk and drop off candy to you as she went on her way.Grace,I hope the walk is beautiful where you are and your ankle is doing well.I will always remember her kindness and honesty . Sincerely, Nancy Ross
January 04, 2024
We met Grace at the legion and she would always ask my husband for a quarter. It was there little joke but it was always a treat catching her and “Thelma” and saying hi and catching up. She will be missed by many. Condolences to you and her family
Mark and Sherrie Rutherford
January 04, 2024
I’m so sorry. She was a good friend. She and my late husband would celebrate their birthday together. I will miss her.
Cookie Miron
January 03, 2024
I am so saddened by her passing I will miss her so much and I will miss her calling me every night checking up on me What a Beautiful Soul that I got to experience in my life. There isn’t any words I can say for my sorrow on her passing because she meant so much to me and she couldn’t have asked for a better daughter-in-law Laura you were so wonderful to her I love you Gracie I will miss you and hopefully you’re my guardian angel because need you still in my corner. Condolences to the family she will be missed. Robin Strawser
- Visitation
- Sunday, January 07, 2024
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Sunday, January 07, 2024
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
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