Stephne Van Voorhies Gaty "Stevie" Sheatsley

1933 - 2023

Stephne (Stevie) Van Voorhies Gaty Sheatsley

September 20,1933 April 5,2023

Stevie Sheatsley passed away peacefully at 89 on April 5, 2023, under the full pink moon.

Her spirit is carried on by four children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and friends

and relations from all walks of life.

She was born on September 20, 1933, in La Jolla, California. An only child, she was loved and

cherished by her grandmother who raised her after her father went MIA in the Burma War.

Her life was a rich and complex tapestry of experiences. A free thinker and spirit with curiosity in

her bones, Stevie had a deep love for understanding the intricacies of our world that are often

overlooked. Not to mention a great eye for style paired with the rare ability to find forgotten

treasures, which she collected with care and fascination.

Stevie lived many lives in one: from raising and training Quarter Horses and establishing a

thriving water garden business to founding two alternative schools, and even pioneering the

quintessential hippie experience in Santa Barbara, CA.

She often said of herself that she

majored in Nice, a sentiment that was felt by all who were held by her generous heart.

Stevie and her husband of 45 years, Billy, were an unlikely pair bound together by their calling

to build both handcrafted homes and communities.

She delighted in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Clint Perry, Shannon

Schott; Torre Freeman (Kevin Davis), Freya Davis, Kate Schott-Montgomery; Ben Prairie, Clara

Montgomery, Kevin Schott (Yvonne); Alora Schott (Zach Ward), Genevieve Ward, Brandon

Schott, Nathan Schott (Jessica).

A voracious reader and eccentric storyteller by nature, she gathered details and histories and

tidbits with childlike wonder in the world around her, which lead to many adventures at home

and abroad.

Stevie was all in for life, and had no interest in death or what comes after, even declining to

discuss or acknowledge any final wishes. In her own words, I don't like unhappy endings so I

avoid them as much as possible.

This is not an end, but a continuation of her story as she is remembered and celebrated by all

who knew her. Join us in keeping Stevie's spirit alight: share your memories, use her many

expressions (on financial independence: money is minted freedom; on disagreements: let's not

cross swords; on weakness: don't have limp wrists; on drinking too much: they were in the cups;

on ne'er-do-well men: beware the bounders), always order an extra side of aioli, never pass up

a glass of chilled white wine when its offered, and above all, be nice and keep curious.

A Celebration of Life for Stevie and Billy in Nevada City will be on June 24, 2023, from 2:30-5:30

at 15930 Indian Flat Road.

Please bring potluck appetizers or sweets to share.

RSVP to Shannon at 530-265-9405.

A second Celebration will be on October 1 in Carpenteria at The Castro House; details to be

posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sammies Friends.