Frances Stalnaker Stotler

Frances Stalnaker Stotler of Dousman, WI, formerly of Berkeley Springs, WV passed away on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday February 14, 2024. She was 96 years old.

She was born in 1927 in West Virginia, the daughter of the late coal miner and dairy farmers George Cameron and Icie Simmons Stalnaker of Mill Creek, WV.

In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Bernard L. Stotler, her brother Edgar Stalnaker, her sisters Alberta Jackson and Mildred Harmon and nephew Richard Stotler.

Survivors include daughter Donna (Roger) Yolo, grandchildren Jason (Tina) Yolo and David (Jenni) Yolo, niece Mary (Rod) Baumert and nephew Carl (Eleanor) Stotler, four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frances grew up working on the family dairy farm. She graduated from Tygart Valley High School in 1945, where she played clarinet in the marching band. After graduation she attended business college and completed a practical nursing course of study. In early 1948 she joined the FBI in Washington, DC. She spent 35 years in the Identification Division and rose through the ranks to a senior management position. Her last ten years at the Bureau were involved in the Automation of that Identification Division. She was described as competent and highly effective as well as a mentor, friend and leader with broad shoulders who helped others achieve those heights too. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, and friend to many.

Upon retirement she and Bernie moved to Berkeley Springs WV where she joined and became president of the Delectable Mountain Quilters. She embraced her new life in West Virginia and never looked back. She and Bernie were on to new adventures.

In 2024, Frances passed away in Wisconsin after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. While she never chose that path, she would have you know that she “ran the race marked out” for her – Hebrews 12:1-2. She was pleasant and funny and kind until the end. A life well lived - what better inspiration could she have been! Thank you to all those who cared for her so well during difficult times.

A funeral service will be privately held by the family. Memorials can be made to Three Pillars Health Care Center, 375 State Road 67, Dousman, WI. 53118.