Frances Pentz
Frances Pentz
The Pentz family has been a part of the Woodcrest Christian School System for five generations, beginning with June Hopkins, Frances’ mother who was an elementary teacher at the school in 1948. June Hopkins was one of the first teachers to have a class at Riverside Christian Day School, recognizing a need for Christian schooling in Riverside and working to make it happen. Frances taught for 30 years after her mother did, and her children became the third generation. Vic, David, Verna, and Oran attended the school as did their children. Oran’s children Natalie and Brandon attended Woodcrest Christian and subsequently continued the fifth generation by sending their two daughters. London and Kennedy are currently enrolled at WCS, living a legacy that began 75 years ago in their family.
Frances Pentz was born in Tustin, California in 1923. She came to know the Lord at a very early age while attending church at the Riverside Union Church, which is now The Grove Community Church. Frances was kind, patient, and trusting. She waited on the Lord daily. Her favorite verse was Isaiah 54:13, “All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.”
Frances was influenced by her mother’s role in the school and wanted to continue in her footsteps. When Frances’ youngest child was 4 years old she started teaching at RCDS in 1958. In her time at the day school, Frances filled the roles of teacher, senior teacher, and assistant to the principal from 1948-1988, reaching over 1,000 students. Frances was influential in helping the school maintain excellence in Christ-centered academics, working closely with the principals and Board of Directors. She continued to shape the school in its early years, alongside Mr. Lamy in planning the addition of a middle and high school to the Woodcrest Christian campus. Later, she also worked part-time helping in the office and tutoring for another 15 years, totaling 45 years of Christian service to the school.
Frances never worried too much about the things of this world because she, like a remarkable few, never had any doubts that this was only a stop on the road to eternal life. Her granddaughter Sarah shared, “Many of us are scared to live that way—fully, unabashedly, unashamedly—as if it could all end tomorrow. We don’t live that way because on the off chance that we are horribly wrong we want to have something to cling to, to have doubted enough that we would not look like fools who took a giant leap of faith.” This was not the case for Frances Pentz, she was all in and cast it all on Jesus…so much so that just being around her made you want to do the same. Throughout her life, Frances spoke about Jesus like He was her best friend, like she had just spoken with Him earlier in the day. And in fact she had. Sarah remembers her grandmother as a prayer warrior, saying that “Heaven’s population grew exponentially because of her work on earth.”
We asked Oran Pentz what he thought his mother, Frances’, biggest impact on the school was, and he told us a story that showcased her character. Oran needed some work done on his car, and went into a local shop in Riverside. The owner listed the things that needed to be done and then began drawing up the paperwork, asking for Oran’s name. “When I said Pentz, he immediately asked me if my mom was Mrs. Pentz, that taught at WCS,” recalls Oran. Oran answered yes, and the owner immediately reached back to a bookshelf behind his desk, pulling out a book. The man said, “your mother was my third grade teacher, this is the Bible, and she taught me all about it. I am following Christ today because of her influence on my life back then. I have never forgotten her and the impact she had on my life!” This is only one of many stories of former students touched by Frances’ love and care.
The Pentz family’s hope for the future includes an expansion and remodel of the Arlington Ave. elementary campus to be able to reach more young children for the Lord. Elementary school is the starting point for children in the Woodcrest Christian School System, and the impact is not only seen in the children but extends to spiritually touching the parents and grandparents of those attending. As WCS embarks on the next 75 years, we reflect on the people and principles that were so pivotal to the last 75. Frances Pentz was unwavering in her faith, and her trust in Jesus was exemplified through her love for people at Woodcrest Christian. She was a sister, a wife, a teacher, a mother, a mentor, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a dear friend. Her love for the Lord and her love for others, especially for children, will always be remembered as her legacy continues on for generations to come.
