Frances (Kurtz) StermetzFrances (Kurtz) Stermetz, 98, long-time Cle Elum resident passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6th, at the Bel Air House in Cle Elum, Washington. She was born on July 11, 1916, in Cle Elum, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Peckelis) Kurtinaitis. Frances attended Hazelwood Elementary School and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1934. She married Matthew (Toby) Stermetz in 1940, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Frances was a homemaker and worked at the RCBA Hospital and clinic. She loved getting together with her family, working in her flower gardens, picnicking in the Teanaway, crocheting, listening to music, and picking mushrooms and berries. She was a 67-year member of the Cle Elum Auxillary Eagles Lodge and enjoyed being a member of their drill team. Frances was also a member of the Kittitas County Lithuanians and St. John the Baptist Altar Society and parish.Frances is survived by son, Chuck (Judy) Stermetz; daughter, Judy (John) Plesha; and grandchildren, Kristi (Dean) Sloan, Kurt (Heather) Stermetz and Jared (Lisa) Plesha. She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Dayton & Kade Sloan and Maggie, Brita, Bode & Ticey Stermetz.Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, Ann Govan, Alice Ziemba, Connie Garnes, Teresa, Aldena, and brother, Victor.A Rosary will be said at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum on Wednesday, March 11th at 7 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 10 am. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum. Donations may be made in Frances' name to Hospice Friends, 401 E. Mt. View Ave. Ste. 3, Ellensburg, WA. 98926. Funeral arrangements by Cascade Funeral Home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.cascadefuneralhome.com. Frances will continue to live in the hearts and memories of family and friends.