Frances Viola Ward Hintz was received into heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 30, 2019, at the age of 86. Frances was born in Wellington, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 1932, to Clarence and Dollie Ward. She is the oldest of 12 children. She learned early how to love and care for children. Her family farmed and raised and trained Percheron horses. Frances met Jesse Hintz at a square dance and was instantly smitten. She married Jesse on Sept. 6, 1949, at the age of 16 and a full life began.
They moved to North Fairfield where their five children were born. Jesse was a farmer and a Ford tractor mechanic and desired to have a farm of his own. Frances was introduced to Jesus and accepted his salvation in 1955. She began praying for her husband and children. They bought a farm and moved to Berlin Heights, Ohio, in 1963. They began attending a local church at the urging of friends and tractor customers. Her husband, Jesse, accepted Christ’s salvation in 1965. Frances’ prayer of 10 years. had been answered! After their youngest child started school, Jesse and Frances were introduced to a program for foster children. Twenty-four different foster children went through their home and received their love in the next eight years. They had no idea how hard it would be to love these children and have to release them.
In 1969, Jesse and Frances were called by God into ministry. Their two oldest children married, the family farm was sold, and their family of nine moved to Mazama in 1971.
Jesse and Frances served as pastor and wife at the Mazama Community Church and in the operation of the Mazama Bible Camp for 27 years. Frances served beside Jesse as if they were one, they were always there for each other. Frances was a faithful pastor’s wife, secretary, camp cook, counselor, Sunday School teacher, VBS director, ladies Bible study leader, missionary director and anything else that crossed her path. Campers began calling them “Mom and Dad” and some campers have kept in contact with Frances till today. Jesse and Frances also took other children into their home when the need arose and helped local residences with any need that they became aware of. As they worked side by side they witnessed to anyone they came into contact with about what the Lord Jesus Christ did for them and how He will change lives forever.
Jesse and Frances moved to Twisp in 2001. Jesse, her husband of 54 years, was called home to Heaven in 2003. To fill the emptiness, Frances threw herself into busyness with her hands and was never idle. She pursued her arts, handcrafts, and hobbies. These included music, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, tatting, reading, sewing, quilting, gardening, dolls and making doll clothes, personal Bible study, and the list goes on. Her greatest love was her family. She passed these skills on to the following generations. As grandchildren had entered the family her goal was to make a baby quilt for each one, then a knitted or crocheted afghan for each one at age 16, and to top that, she made each one a quilt when they graduated from high school. She carried those traditions on for the great-grandchildren. She made quilts and donated them for fundraisers. She also made many gifts for others, sold many of her creations at The Artisans, Christmas bazaars, and to others who heard by word of mouth of her beautiful handiwork. Once a visitor to the Methow from France saw one of her quilts and ordered one from her. She made it and sent it to France. All of her quilts were hand-quilted – no machine quilting from her. Frances also taught kindergarten at The Master’s Christian School for two years.
Frances was a member of a quilting group and Cascade Bible Church. She wished to leave these words to her family and friends, “Keep following Jesus and read your Bible every day.”
Frances suffered a stroke on Aug. 25, 2019. She passed on at her home under the care of her daughters.
She is preceded in death by her oldest son, Jess Henry Hintz Jr. at age 38 in 1988; her husband, Jesse Hintz Sr. in 2003; and a grandson, Jesse Eugene Hintz at birth in 1988.
Frances is survived by five children with their spouses, Elizabeth and Harold Hessler of Sandusky, Ohio, Dennie and Lillie Hintz Smith of Mazama, Roger and Viola Hintz Townsend of East Wenatchee, Benny Hintz and Connie of San Mateo, California, Suzanne Marx of Simi Valley, California, and Jim and Jane Hintz McMillan of Twisp, 48 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. All the souls in our family under Jesse and Frances Hintz number 100-plus!
Our mother has left us a fantastic legacy to live by and pass on to the many generations to come. Her greatest legacy being her love for, and dedication to, her savior, Jesus Christ. We love you, Mom!
A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 30, 2019, at Cascade Bible Church, at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow. Everyone is invited to join us. Donations in memory of Frances in lieu of flowers may be sent to Mazama Bible Camp or The Master’s Christian School, P.O. Box 1172, Twisp WA 98856.
