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.