Phyllis Louanna Shultz

Phyllis Louanna Shultz, 95, of Pacific Grove, passed away at home on August 9, 2025

Ms. Shultz was born on May 29, 1930 in the village of Pennsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, the fourth daughter of the late Jesse and Anna Shultz.

Phyllis was never married. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews: Ronald Geehring, David "Dai" Morgan, Gail Hixson, Bruce Morgan, Cindy Wilcox, Kimberly Conners, Neil Morgan, as well as two cousins Louanne Gressman Dunn and Treva Donnelly.

Phyllis was preceded in death by siblings: Louise Shultz, Betty Geehring, Clarice Morgan, James Shultz and cousin-brother Malcolm Gressman.

At a young age, Phyllis was placed to live with her maternal aunt and uncle, Bertha and Calvin Gressman, and their only child Malcolm, seven years older than Phyllis. This arrangement among families was not an uncommon occurrence during the Great Depression. Though never formally adopted, Phyllis was raised by her aunt and uncle and recognized them as her parents.

The Gressmans were educators, living in the coal mining town of Herminie, PA. They were also members of the Church of the United Brethern (a forerunner of the United Methodist Church), where Phyllis developed a lifelong Christian faith.

Phyllis attended college at the then United Brethern affiliated Otterbein College (now University) in Westerville, Ohio. She graduated with a double major in Education and Theater Arts. After graduation and inspired by a presentation from a Navy WAVE recruiter, Phyllis made the decision to join the Navy in 1952. This unexpected turn surprised her family. They were initially wary, but later affirmed her chosen path.

Upon completion of Officer Candidate School and commissioning as an Ensign, Phyllis went on to serve a twenty-year career as a naval officer. She retired with the rank of Commander on September 1, 1972. During her active duty she completed Public Relations School, Naval Justice School and achieved a Masters Degree in Personnel Administration from George Washington University. Phyllis served tours of duty at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Pittsburgh recruiting, the Office of Naval Personnel at the Pentagon, the Staff of Commander of United States Forces in Japan, and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

As a naval officer, Phyllis performed important roles during two historic events-the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Pueblo Incident in 1968. In both cases she had responsibility for logistics and transportation activities.

While in her last assignment at the Postgraduate School, Phyllis grew fond of the Monterey, California region. Upon retiring from the navy she decided to settle there. With the exception of a short time living in a 19th century townhouse in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Phyllis spent the remainder of her life residing and exploring in Central California.

In the 1980s, Phyllis purchased a hillside house in Carmel Valley, which she called home until 2022. Phyllis was active in the community around Carmel Valley Village and for a while operated a breakfast cafe in the village. Being civic minded, Phyllis joined the Carmel Valley Womens Club, where she remained a member for 46 years. In addition to volunteer work, Phyllis was an active member of Cypress Community Church and the Military Officers Association-Monterey County Chapter.

As a member of the Carmel Valley Women's Club, Phyllis served two terms as president of the organization (1991-1992 and 1993-1994). During her presidency, in 1994, Phyllis oversaw the establishment of the CVWC women's scholarship program-which she considered to be one of her most significant life accomplishments.

Phyllis valued personal relationships. She had many friends and even continued to maintain a number of old friendships from her school years. Phyllis especially liked being a hostess. She loved Christmastime and holiday parties at her home were remembered as special events.

Even though Phyllis was not married and had no children, she believed in the importance of family. She got along well with her siblings, nieces, nephews and various degrees of 'cousins.' Phyllis was particularly dedicated to her mother's Metzger ancestral line. Phyllis regularly attended Metzger

Family reunions and twice served as president of that family's national organization. In 2003, Phyllis organized and hosted a Metzger Family reunion at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove.

Phyllis traveled widely. She visited many, many countries-often by way of the US Navy. She saw almost all of the US National Parks and, into her eighties, would think nothing of driving long distances. And she seemed to have friends everywhere willing to share a spare room.

In late November 2020, Phyllis suffered a 'minor' stroke that affected memory, naming and reading-though resulting in no significant physical issues. Her nephew, Dai Morgan, moved in with her for a year to assist in her recovery. In January 2022, Phyllis moved to Canterbury Woods senior living community in Pacific Grove. At Canterbury Woods, Phyllis made friends and participated in the social life of the community. Under the care of Canterbury Woods staff and services, Phyllis lived securely and comfortably in a private apartment. During the last two months of her life Phyllis experienced a rapid decline in health. She died peacefully in the presence of her nephew, Dai.

Phyllis Shultz lived an independent and satisfying life. Sometimes the commander emerged and she could be firm. But, her most outstanding quality was her likeability. She instantly endeared herself by her charm, positive attitude, generosity and empathetic spirit. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Funeral arrangements are by Mission Mortuary of Monterey. Phyllis has chosen to be cremated and is being interred at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery.

For those wishing to honor the memory of Phyllis Shultz, a donation to the following charity is recommended:

Carmel Valley Women's Club Foundation

Scholarship donation in memoriam of Phyllis Shultz

PO Box 407, Carmel Valley, CA 93924-0407

https://cvwomensclub.org