Frances Rodgers Hall

January 7, 1927 – May 29, 2020

Frances Hall, a fourth generation Californian, passed away unexpectedly in San Diego on May 29th, 2020 at the age of 93. She is survived by her sister Barbara Gaskin (Donald), daughter Patricia Hall (Barry Cohen); daughter Deborah Wiltjer (James); son Michael Hall (Gladys); grandchildren Kimberly Wiltjer, David Cohen (Claire), Kaitlyn Wiltjer, and Kristina Wiltjer; and great-granddaughter, Bradley Ember Townsend. She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Verl Leroy Hall, Jr., and six brothers: Donald, Douglas, David, Stanley, Delbert, and William Rodgers.

Frances Eleanor Rodgers was born at home in Tuolumne, California on January 7th, 1927, to Roy & Barbara Kahl Rodgers. Growing up in a lively family of seven children in the foothills of the Sierras, Fran was an adventurous kid, who excelled in school. She graduated early from Summerville Union High School and entered the University of California-Berkeley at age 16.

Frances met her future husband, architecture student Verl Hall, during her senior year at Cal, and following a courtship that included weekend bicycling trips and dates at San Francisco jazz clubs, the two married in 1947. Frances and Verl were consummate Bay Area residents, raising their three children in Berkeley, Oakland, San Lorenzo, and Hayward. The East Bay remained Fran’s home until 2015, when, following the death of her husband, she relocated to San Diego.

Ever an educator at heart, in 1958, Frances returned to college, obtaining her California elementary teaching credential at San Jose State University. A year later, she was hired by the San Lorenzo School District, and teaching fourth grade at Hillside School was her career for the next 30 years until her retirement in 1989.

But teaching was only one of Frances’s passions. She was a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher; avid gardener and creative cook; and gifted seamstress, sewing multiple outfits and Halloween costumes for all three of her kids.

Fran was also a skilled wordsmith and devoted crossword puzzler -- the harder the better. She loved literature --Shakespeare, poetry, novels -- and was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable film buff. She and Verl were experienced globe-trotters, visiting more than 30 countries on nearly every continent.

Frances forged many life-long friendships with fellow teachers and colleagues, students and parents of students, and group traveling companions -- important "touchstones" she created throughout her life.

Most of all, Fran adored her four grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and she and Verl had a profound influence on them. The grandkids continually reminisce about how Nana and Grandpa shaped their own passions in life, be it travel adventures, art, poetry, music, or film.

Fran never failed to light up the room with her bright smile and buoyant personality. She was a lively conversationalist with a sharp wit and irreverent sense of humor. And, although she could not hear at all during the last 15 years of her life, she remained a canny observer and outspoken contributor to conversations ranging from her family’s doings, the latest movies, and current events and politics. She stayed in touch with family and friends via e-mail, and among her favorite correspondence was the exchange of e-mail jokes and favorite film suggestions.

Friends and family loved Fran’s positive outlook and outspoken repartee, and all agree that she was the family queen of the unforgettable “one-liners.” She was loved by all who met her.

Contributions in Frances’s memory can be made to the Delta Kappa Gamma: DKG Tuition Grant Scholarship Fund https://dkg-zetazeta.org , Sierra Social Services Inc: www.sierrases.org , and/or the Tuolumne City Historical Museum: https://tuolumnemuseum.wordpress.com/