Kathryn Sue Schultz

"It is not the beginning and end dates that matter, it is the dash that separates those dates that encompasses the story." The story of our Kathy Kaker/Kate Schultz/Our Fun Size is from October 16, 1956 – February 4, 2026.

Kate courageously and quietly battled, for over a year, the monster we all know too well: Cancer. Kate was a caretaker and would never want to "burden" anyone with her own struggles, and refused to be defined by this disease. It was a shock to many in our tight-knit community that Kate was as unwell as she was, but it was a battle she wanted to wage on a quiet front. Words cannot express her gratitude for the outpouring of support and love from our tiny town and surrounding communities that was shown during her benefit. She would have hand-written you all a note expressing her appreciation, but alas, the end date after our girl's dash came far too soon.

Kate's greatest joys in life were her children, Ryan (Nikki) and Ciara (Cole), who blessed her with five of the most perfect grandchildren: Paris, Addison, Enzo, Sawyer, and Sienna. Kate was able to share all of that joy with the absolute love of her life, Leo. Kate beamed over every story and accomplishment of her family. She was quick to share milestones via pictures and texts to keep us all abreast of her most proud partner/mama/grandma moments. How lucky we all were to have her light shine on us.

As a friend, there was no one more available or reliable than Kate. That is evident in that she was the emergency contact in dozens of friends' phones. Kate always made sure you felt seen and would never leave a voicemail or text unanswered. If she was not by your side, Diet Coke in hand, she was a phone call away sharing in your laughter or giving you a shoulder upon which to cry. Even in the saddest of moments, she would find a way to make you laugh until you cried happily. The contagiousness of her laugh was sadness's kryptonite. You always ended your conversations with Kate feeling better than when it started.

How do we fill the void Kate has left in our community? Her willingness to help out at any local functions and parties, her storytelling, her contagious belly laughs, her chosen nicknames for us all, not to mention her adorable wardrobe, dips, and pastry rings.

The answer to the question below best sums up our grief: What happens when we leave this Earth? "I do not know for sure, but I know the ones that love us will miss us." Until we meet again, our darling Kate.

Kate is preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Beverly (Adams) Kaker and a brother, Michael Kaker.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.