Leola Ellen Schatz

Leola Ellen Schatz, 84, of Sullivan, MO passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Cuba Village Senior Living in Cuba, MO. Born on January 21, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Leo and Ellen (Woodcock) Thurmond. Leola grew up in Sullivan, where she also attended local schools, laying the foundation for her life's journey filled with lifelong friendships and love of music, faith and family.
On March 7, 1958, she eloped with the love of her life, George Leslie Schatz, in Hernando, Mississippi. Together they built a beautiful life with their four children: Debra, Curtis, Kevin, and Sheila. The family made their home first in Jennings, MO, then Florissant, MO before returning "home" to the Stanton/Sullivan area in 1971.
Leola embraced her role as a homemaker with grace and joy, dedicating her life to nurturing her family. She maintained an immaculate home, sewed clothing for her children, and always had dinner ready for her family. Her home was not only a haven for her children but also for many others, as she provided in-home babysitting, sharing her warmth and kindness with every child she cared for. Leola instilled a love for music, carried down from her own musical family. Leola and Les also believed in taking time to enjoy life together and were known for their love of dancing and for "cutting the rug" whenever they had the chance.
In addition to her unwavering commitment to her family, Leola contributed to her community through various roles. She assisted with cooking at St. Anthony's School, bringing smiles and comfort through her cooking skills. Her professional journey also included a period as a receptionist at Dr. Repaso's office, where her gentle demeanor and kind words welcomed and reassured many patients.
Leola's Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. In 1970, her father, Leo Thurmond was instrumental in forming and building the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) in Sullivan. Later on she became a member of the Sullivan Christian Church and most recently attended Temple Baptist Church. Her deep faith in the Lord and her solid Christian foundation were evident in her daily life and interactions with others. Leola's love for her family was fierce and unwavering, and she was especially delighted in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every opportunity to embark on trips with them, especially the camping trips, creating lasting memories that they will hold dear forever.
Known for her kind heart and ever-present smile, Leola was also known for her long, heartfelt letters, maintaining the art of letter writing until the end of her life. Her letters, filled with news and love, were treasures to her family and friends. A beloved holiday tradition was her baking of zucchini and banana breads for the entire Thurmond family at Christmas.
Leola experienced great joy yet profound loss throughout her life, finding strength through her faith and family. She endured the heartbreak of losing their young son, Kevin at age 5 and later the passing of her beloved husband, Les, after 63 years of marriage.
Leola is survived by her children: Debra Parks and husband, Ken of Leslie, MO, Curtis Schatz of Sullivan, MO, and Sheila Boehmer and husband, Scott of Hannibal, MO; 7 grandchildren: Justin Parks and wife, Amanda, Natalie Parks all of Sullivan, Kelsie Boehmer and significant other, Toussaint Peterson of Columbia, MO, Kayle Boehmer and wife, Mackenzie of Holt Summit, MO, Sydni Russell and husband, Parker of Columbia, MO, Tyler Schatz and wife, Michala of Austin, TX, Heath Schatz and fiancée, Elise Holden of Knoxville, TN, Jeremy Hanneken and wife, Trisha, Chelsey Fisher and husband, Chris all of Sullivan, and Cody Hanneken and wife, Stephanie of Scottsdale, AZ; 8 great-grandchildren: Kloie, Brooke, Logan, Kayden, Dominic, Maycin, Ryan & Noah; 3 brothers: Jerry Thurmond, Steve Thurmond and wife, Donna and Mark Thurmond all of Sullivan; a sister-in-law, Sharen Thurmond of Sullivan; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George "Les" Schatz; a son, Kevin Lee Schatz; her parents, Leo and Ellen Thurmond; two brothers, Eddie Thurmond and Byron Thurmond; two sisters, Frances Roberts and Norma Thurmond (infant); a sister-in-law, Sylvia Thurmond; and several other siblings-in-law.
Services will be 5:00 PM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Perry officiating. Following the service, cremation will take place with a private inurnment to be held at a later date at I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery, Sullivan, MO.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, at Temple Baptist Church prior to the service.
Friends may send online condolences to the Schatz family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Sullivan, MO.