Received word that Fran Lynch Pamplona Walster after many years of suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s, finally succumbed to that dreadful disease on December 28, 2023.    More information to follow when known.

The picture above was taken for Fran’s induction into The Wall of Honor in 2014. If you go to the Wall of Honor page, you can read about her and the others who were inducted as well. 

The following obituary and notice of service was sent to us by Fran's daughter.

Frances Walster, 77, passed peacefully in her sleep on December 28, 2023.

Born on January 13, 1946 to John and Frances Lynch in Seattle, Washington, she spent her younger years playing on the shores of Green Lake before moving to a pumpkin farm in Bothell, Washington. After graduating high school, she married fellow classman Arnie Pamplona, settled in Maltby, Washington and had 3 daughters. Later on after a divorce, she married Ralph Walster and moved to his family dairy farm in Maltby. After raising cows, they tried raising corn before settling on raising iris. Their iris gardens were well known around the Pacific Northwest and people came from miles around to see the beautiful blooms. In 1993, Fran started the Maltby Food Bank and was their director for over 20 years, lovingly dedicating her life to serving others. Fran was also passionate about serving through missions and took four trips to Russia to visit the orphanages there and bring them much needed money and supplies.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Ralph Walster. She leaves behind her three daughters, Kim (Shawn) Watson of Maltby, Washington, Julie (Trey) Morris of Missoula, Montana and Christie (Robby) Johnson of Monroe, Washington, as well as the joys of her life, her grandchildren, Holly (Scott), Rachel (Kyson), Faith, Rian (Nick), Elizabeth (Doug), John and Kyle, and her great grandchildren, Rogan, Bowen, Amelia, James and Camilee.

A celebration of Fran's life will be held at The Church of Maltby, 9322 Paradise Lake Road, Snohomish, Washington 98296, on February 17th 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran's name to the Maltby Food Bank or to the Alzheimer's Association of America.

"So with you, now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

John 16:22