Frances Welch Hartung

Frances Welch Hartung, age 96, born July 2, 1929, in Plant City Florida, passed away on August 25, 2025. Preceded in death by her first husband Wardell B Welch, second husband William Hartung, and daughter Mary Welch of The Woodlands TX, Frances is survived by daughter Katherine Welch-McLean (David McLean) of Kenmore WA, Brad Welch (Marjorie) of Eugene OR; grandchildren Erin McLean and Derek McLean of Seattle WA, Robert Eberhardt (Whitney) of Austin TX, Kathryn Baltensperger (Jake) of Westminster CO, and her three great-grandchildren, Silas, Arden, and Warren Baltensperger.

Frances, the daughter of Norman and Emily Hopkins, graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville with a degree in Political Science. She met Wardell, a young Navy carrier pilot in Jacksonville FL, and they married in 1952.

She and Wardell raised their three children in San Diego, California. After the Navy, they enjoyed many years sailing and socializing with friends in the community of Point Loma, San Diego.

Frances enjoyed political discussions, especially with her grandsons, reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She loved dogs and was active in local dog groups in The Woodlands TX. Frances was a talented watercolor and collage artist, a hobby she enjoyed for many years. She often gifted her handmade cards to friends and family.

Frances will be interred with husband Wardell in San Diego, California at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.