Mary Elizabeth Schultz, 99, of Alma, Kansas, died Sunday, January 5, 2020, at the Alma Manor. She was a life-long resident of the area.
Mary was born May 9, 1920, in rural Alta Vista, Kansas, the daughter of John and Mona Wilde Hyde. She attended local schools and graduated in 1938 from Alta Vista High School. Mary was blessed by the Spirit though Holy Baptism on February 2, 1930 and renewed her vows through confirmation on February 8, 1940.
Mary was a homemaker and took great pride in providing a home for her family. Mary’s small stature, soft spoken demeanor, and servant’s heart spoke volumes to her family. A gathering was not complete without her chocolate chip and frosted sugar cookies that were always the first to be eaten. A birthday or anniversary did not pass without a thoughtful card with her beautiful cursive handwriting. She raised a family without all the comforts of today and did so without complaint. Mary took time to play games with her grand and great-grand children, but seemed to seldom ever win herself. She loved beautiful dishes and Frankoma Vases, playing the piano and supporting her Lutheran church. Mary had a “birthday bunch” that met regularly in her younger years and she enjoyed coffee with her lady friends as of recent.
Mary married William Woodrow Schultz on September 6, 1939, in Alta Vista. They enjoyed 62 years together. He preceded her in death on January 5, 2002.
Mary is survived by her sons; Ron Schultz (Linda, Gary Schultz (Peggy) and Leland Schultz (Cindy, all of Alma; her grandchildren, Roger Brown (Sheila, Jeff Brown (Deb, Greg Brown (Robin, Christa Kraus (Corey, Jared Schultz (Janelle, Candi Martin (Chris, Luke Schultz (Dawn, Cassie Scripter (Seth) and Callie Taylor (J. R.); nineteen great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mary was also preceded in death by her daughters Sharon Rae Schultz and Beverly Ann Brown; grandson Justin Schultz; great –granddaughter, Caytlin Miller; and her brother, Jack Hyde and his two sons, Dennis and John.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, January 10, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma. Reverend Robert Grimm will be officiating. Burial will follow in West Templin Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Thursday, at the church, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Mary will lie-in- state beginning at 4:00 pm. They suggest memorial contributions to St. John Lutheran Church, and those may be sent in care of Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home in Alma.