Frances Stalker Kertesz

Frances Stalker Kertesz, of Surprise, Arizona, went home to heaven on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 10, 1942, to the late Fannie Davis Stalker and Edward James Stalker, Frances spent her early years in Rich Creek, Virginia, and was a 1960 graduate of Narrows High School.

She later moved to California, where she met the love of her life, while working in the data processing department of a motion pictures studio. After her husband’s passing, Frances returned to Virginia and discovered her true calling—caring for others. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Riverview Nursing Home (now Heritage Hall) in Rich Creek and at MacArthur House (now The MacArthur Inn) in Narrows, where her compassion and kindness touched many lives.

Frances eventually retired to Arizona, where she remained until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Stephen J. Kertesz, her sister Jean S. Martin, and a grandson who was born sleeping.

Along with countless friends who were more like family, who blessed her life with endless love and laughter, Frances is survived by her three children whom she loved beyond measure: Stephen Kertesz and wife Gina of Surprise, AZ; Stephanie Smith and husband Michael of Chesapeake, VA; and John Kertesz of Bedford, VA. She is also lovingly remembered by those she was most proud of,  her five grandchildren: Sara Limbrick and husband Tyler, Kristopher Forren, Stephen, Christopher, and Connor Kertesz—and two great-grandchildren, Henry and Theo Limbrick. Frances is also survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom she loved dearly.  

We will all miss her warmth, her laugh, her love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to Rich Creek United Methodist Church, Rich Creek, Virginia 24147.