Jane Stoltz died March 27, 2003, after a short illness in Bellevue. She was 86 years old.

Mrs. Stoltz was born Oct. 4, 1916, in West Seattle. Mrs. Stoltz lived most of her life on Vashon Island.

Afflicted with blindness since she was 12 years old, friends say that didn’t stop her from raising her children, grandchildren, and a lovely garden. She also took walks along the highway and knew the edge of the road.

A friend recalled that Mrs. Stoltz was known for lending an ear to those in need and she had a bright smile and good cheer.

All of her children were raised on Vashon Island.

In later years, she became a snow bird with her husband Buster Stoltz and those trips were a joy to her, a friend said. He died earlier.

Mrs. Stoltz also enjoyed a special weekly lunch bunch group at island restaurants, the Vashon Senior Center and the Vashon Community Care Center.

Survivors include a sister Verna Boytler in Redmond; a brother Frank Rauen in California; four children, David in Florida, Jerry in Montana, Linda in Seattle and Tom in Montana. She had six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mrs. Stoltz requested that there be no services.

Burial was in Vashon Cemetery.