Patricia Schultz

1946 - 2026

Thomasboro - Patricia Lee "Pat" (King) Schultz, 79, of Thomasboro peacefully passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.

She will be remembered mostly for how much she loved her family and the countless everyday ways she showed she cared. After a short battle with cancer, she leaves behind many good memories, strong family connections, and a lot of people who will miss her presence in their lives.

Born Feb. 26, 1946, in Fairbury, a daughter to Donald and Doris (Cupp) King. Pat grew up with strong family roots and graduated from Buckley-Loda High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation, she married Ben Schultz on June 27, 1964, starting a marriage and family life that meant everything to her.

Pat spent many years raising her children and building a loving home for her family. Over the years she also worked in the Thomasboro Grade School kitchen, drove a school bus, helped with secretarial and accounting work at Peace Lutheran Church, participated in Ladies Aid there, served as a Girl Scout leader while her daughter was growing up, volunteered as a homeroom mom and school chaperone for her own children and, in addition, for many other children in the community, and was well known locally as an Avon lady.

She was talented with her hands and loved sewing and crafts. Pat made clothing, did alterations for others, and created many prom dresses over the years. She also loved gardening and seemed to have a natural green thumb.

Pat rarely missed a chance to watch her kids or grandkids compete in sports. Games, events, or any activity they were part of - she wanted to be there cheering them on.

She enjoyed family get-togethers and simply loved having her family together.

She is survived by her husband, Ben Schultz of Thomasboro; her children, Elizabeth (Steve) Daugherty of Osprey, Fla., John (Karri) Schultz of Gibson City and Mark Schultz of Rantoul; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Erin and Megan Daugherty, Ann Marie (Austin) Rosenbaum, Nicholas (Jocelyn) Schultz, Jack Schultz and Samuel Schultz; great-granddaughter Edysen Marie Rosenbaum; one niece; three nephews; and many cousins. She is also survived by her sister, Peggy (Tom) Wyatt of Urbana and brother, Tedd (Ramona) King of Loda.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris King, and by her grandparents, Wilber and Sophie King, with whom she shared a special bond and many cherished moments throughout her life.

Visitation for Pat Schultz will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro. A memorial service will follow beginning at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church.

Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City is assisting the family with their arrangements.