Marian Schultz

1927 - 2023

Marian Schultz
December 10, 1927 - July 10, 2023
Laguna Woods, California - Marian Schultz, devoted wife, mother, friend, educator, and musician, died on July 10th at age 95. Born to Willis and Selma Dudley in Sacramento, she attended C.K. McClatchy High School and California State University, Sacramento, where she earned her teaching degree and credential in elementary education. She lived in Sacramento until 2010 when she moved to live near her children.
Marian had two life goals: to create a family full of love, respect, and joy, and to have a meaningful, successful career that allowed her to contribute to her community. She successfully achieved both.
While at McClatchy High School, she met Ray Schultz whom she married in 1950. They had three children - Karen, David, and Kristin - and remained married until Ray's death from leukemia in 2010. She considered Her family her greatest joy and accomplishment. She took immense pride in their achievements and there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with them. Believing that, "Happy lives are full and useful lives," Marian felt children should be allowed to follow their passions. She supported her children as they pursued goals in sports, music, and other endeavors. Even while teaching full-time, she assisted aging parents, volunteered at church, performed music, and cheered on the American River Football team after Ray became head coach in 1966.
She spent 33 years teaching Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary School and spent several years as a choral teacher. She was much admired by students, parents and peers for her creativity, energy and commitment to her school, the arts, and her students' success. She retired in 1986, but continued volunteering as an art, music, and resource teacher.
Marian was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Over the years she volunteered as a bible school and music teacher, nursery school department chair and pre-school board member.
Music was Marian's life-long passion. After learning to play cello at an early age, she performed in orchestras and ensembles throughout her life, including The American River Symphony, Camelia Symphony, Sacramento Symphony, and musical theater productions for the San Juan School District. She also loved singing and traveled to Europe several times to perform with the River City Chorale. After moving to Laguna Woods, she continued to share her love of music by organizing a ukulele group for residents.
Marian also enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing and crafts. Her beautiful flower arrangements were often requested for church services and events. She loved traveling with family and friends and enjoyed many trips throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.
Marian leaves behind a legacy of family, friends, and countless others who she taught, encouraged, supported, and inspired.
She is survived by daughters Karen Ruppert (Gary) of Redmond, Oregon, and Kristin Whipple (Keith) of Orlando, Florida; son David Schultz (Mary) of Newport Beach; sister-in-law Carol Schultz of Sacramento, and grandchildren Amy Ruppert, Kaley Whipple, Adam Schultz, and Michael Schultz; nieces Marta and Linda and nephews Kurt, Steve, Michael, and Tim.
A family celebration of life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Park Foundation (nationalparks.org).