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Leilla Shultz Obituary
Leilla "Peewee' Mae Shultz passed away peacefully on the morning of Dec. 31, 2024, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital in Alaska.
Leilla was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Dunning, Neb. to Vernon and Betty Glidden.
The youngest of three children, Leilla grew up alongside her beloved siblings, Vernette and Frank, enjoying a childhood filled with love, laughter and cherished memories.
In 1963, Leilla married Richard "Butch" Shultz and together they welcomed their son, Maurice. In 1970, the family embraced the adventurous spirit of Alaska, making the Last Frontier their home.
They began their life in Alaska in Mentasta where Richard worked as a schoolteacher. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, LeAnn, while living in Northway.
In her early years, Leilla held a variety of roles that reflected her talents and dedication. She worked as Head Secretary for the Sociology Department at Kearney State College and was a devoted Lions Club member, actively participating in Nebraska and later helping establish the Lions Club in Tok, Alaska.
Her professional journey also included teaching preschool in Mentasta, serving as a secretary for both the Delta Greely School and Tok School, and holding various positions for the State Department in Juneau while Richard served in the legislature.
From 1983 to 1989, Leilla and Richard, in partnership with Maurice, owned and operated the Tastee Freez in Tok. The local teenagers who held their first job at the Tastee Freez definitely remember their boss Leilla's stern motto, "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!"
Leilla was best known for the 35 years she spent owning and operating the Napa Auto Parts Store in Tok. Throughout these years, she became a well-loved, knowledgeable parts lady and a respected member of the community. She was the "lil lady" who ran the business with boundless energy, an infectious laugh and a positive attitude that was contagious.
She was an expert at researching and solving even the toughest mechanical problems; her "pitbull" determination meant no issue went unresolved for long.
Leilla had remarkable skills when it came to numbers. Whether it was a parts number, a phone number, or a random figure from decades ago, she could recall numbers with astonishing accuracy, often leaving everyone around her amazed. Her photographic memory and precision were unmatched, and anyone who ever doubted her skills quickly learned they were no match for her sharp mind. She'd leave you in awe, guaranteed!
These traits, combined with her positive attitude and relentless drive, made her a beloved and respected figure in the community; someone who truly left her mark on everyone she met.
Known affectionately as "Grandma Yoooo" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Leilla's family was the center of her world. She was their biggest cheerleader and her unmistakable shouts of "Yoooooooo!" could always be heard above the crowd at their sporting events.
Leilla's hobbies were as dynamic as her personality. She enjoyed a short stint as a hockey player in Delta, and loved sewing, watching game shows, reading, playing solitaire and contributing to her community.
A fun and unforgettable fact about Leilla is that she was the Yukon Fur Rendezvous Leg Wrestling Champion in Whitehorse in the mid-1970s. Her vibrant personality, boundless positivity, and fierce love for her family left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Leilla's passing on New Year's Eve offers a bittersweet reminder of her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to so many lives. As we bring in the New Year each year, we can carry her memory forward, raising a glass with a heartfelt "Yoooooooo!" to honor her boundless positivity and love for life.
Leilla was preceded in death by her father Vernon; mother Betty; brother Frank "Shag"; and sister Vernette.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 61 years,Richard "Butch" Shultz; son Maurice (Lisa); daughter LeAnn (Dave); 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and the many friends whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Leilla's life will be held Aug. 16, 2025, at the Fireweed Festival at Mile 91 on the Tok Cut-Off in Alaska. Everyone who would like to honor Leilla is invited. Our family looks forward to seeing you and sharing precious memories of a life well-lived.
Leilla was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Dunning, Neb. to Vernon and Betty Glidden.
The youngest of three children, Leilla grew up alongside her beloved siblings, Vernette and Frank, enjoying a childhood filled with love, laughter and cherished memories.
In 1963, Leilla married Richard "Butch" Shultz and together they welcomed their son, Maurice. In 1970, the family embraced the adventurous spirit of Alaska, making the Last Frontier their home.
They began their life in Alaska in Mentasta where Richard worked as a schoolteacher. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, LeAnn, while living in Northway.
In her early years, Leilla held a variety of roles that reflected her talents and dedication. She worked as Head Secretary for the Sociology Department at Kearney State College and was a devoted Lions Club member, actively participating in Nebraska and later helping establish the Lions Club in Tok, Alaska.
Her professional journey also included teaching preschool in Mentasta, serving as a secretary for both the Delta Greely School and Tok School, and holding various positions for the State Department in Juneau while Richard served in the legislature.
From 1983 to 1989, Leilla and Richard, in partnership with Maurice, owned and operated the Tastee Freez in Tok. The local teenagers who held their first job at the Tastee Freez definitely remember their boss Leilla's stern motto, "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!"
Leilla was best known for the 35 years she spent owning and operating the Napa Auto Parts Store in Tok. Throughout these years, she became a well-loved, knowledgeable parts lady and a respected member of the community. She was the "lil lady" who ran the business with boundless energy, an infectious laugh and a positive attitude that was contagious.
She was an expert at researching and solving even the toughest mechanical problems; her "pitbull" determination meant no issue went unresolved for long.
Leilla had remarkable skills when it came to numbers. Whether it was a parts number, a phone number, or a random figure from decades ago, she could recall numbers with astonishing accuracy, often leaving everyone around her amazed. Her photographic memory and precision were unmatched, and anyone who ever doubted her skills quickly learned they were no match for her sharp mind. She'd leave you in awe, guaranteed!
These traits, combined with her positive attitude and relentless drive, made her a beloved and respected figure in the community; someone who truly left her mark on everyone she met.
Known affectionately as "Grandma Yoooo" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Leilla's family was the center of her world. She was their biggest cheerleader and her unmistakable shouts of "Yoooooooo!" could always be heard above the crowd at their sporting events.
Leilla's hobbies were as dynamic as her personality. She enjoyed a short stint as a hockey player in Delta, and loved sewing, watching game shows, reading, playing solitaire and contributing to her community.
A fun and unforgettable fact about Leilla is that she was the Yukon Fur Rendezvous Leg Wrestling Champion in Whitehorse in the mid-1970s. Her vibrant personality, boundless positivity, and fierce love for her family left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Leilla's passing on New Year's Eve offers a bittersweet reminder of her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to so many lives. As we bring in the New Year each year, we can carry her memory forward, raising a glass with a heartfelt "Yoooooooo!" to honor her boundless positivity and love for life.
Leilla was preceded in death by her father Vernon; mother Betty; brother Frank "Shag"; and sister Vernette.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 61 years,Richard "Butch" Shultz; son Maurice (Lisa); daughter LeAnn (Dave); 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and the many friends whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Leilla's life will be held Aug. 16, 2025, at the Fireweed Festival at Mile 91 on the Tok Cut-Off in Alaska. Everyone who would like to honor Leilla is invited. Our family looks forward to seeing you and sharing precious memories of a life well-lived.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Custer County Chief from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, 2025.
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