Frances Helyn Quarles

    Frances Helyn Skillman Quarles

    Frances H. Skillman Quarles, age 101, of Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA, passed away on March 25, 2026, with family by her side.

    She was born October 16, 1924, in Canton Township, PA, the daughter of George W. and Helyn F. Hartung. She was predeceased by sister Doris Jean and brother-in-law George E. Shultzabarger, husbands David Corwin Skillman and Palmer A. Quarles Jr.,, and daughter Leslie E. Skillman-Hull.

    She is survived by son Evan D. Skillman and wife Celine M. Leathead, Mendota Heights, MN, son-in-law Richard B. Hull, granddaughters Arianna "Sophia" and wife Meghan McKenna Calcaterra-Hull and Clare Venn Skillman, nephews Peter and wife Janet and Timothy and wife Angie Shultzabarger, niece Helyn Dambach, and stepsons Robert, wife Rita, Richard, and Steven, wife Marsha Quarles and their families.

   She was a graduate of Canton, PA High School and held BS and MS degrees in Chemistry from Penn State University. She was employed as a chemist by General Aniline and Film Corporation, Easton, PA, Penn State University, and Greece Central School District, Rochester, NY.

    Being an Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she served in many volunteer positions in Dewey Avenue Presbyterian Church, Rochester, NY, Presbytery of Genesee Valley, Synod of the Northeast, and the General Assembly.

    She was an avid traveler to 49 countries and 7 continents and had a lifelong appreciation of music, the natural world, and Penn State football. Her birding life-list count was over 500.

    Fran had a natural curiosity and interest in others, with thoughtfulness and concern for their feelings and well-being. She was always happy to stop and chat with friends and neighbors, remembering names and details about their lives even into her old age. She actively enjoyed the rich social life at the Green Ridge Village retirement community that she called home for the past 29 years. In a testament to the many lives that she touched, her hundredth birthday celebration was attended by almost 100 family, friends, and admirers, even though she had outlived many of her closest friends.

    Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, NY, on Saturday, May 9, at 2 pm, and a memorial service will be held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, PA, on Sunday, May 24, at 1:30 pm.

    Memorial Contributions may be made to the Green Ridge Village Fund, 210 Big Spring Road, Newville, PA 17241, Second Presbyterian Church, 529 Garland Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013, or Camp Gorham of the Rochester, NY, YMCA, at 100 Chestnut Street, Suite 901, Rochester, NY 14604.

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