Derys Gayle Schultze, 94, of Forest City, Iowa, passed away on October 23, 2026, after a life marked by curiosity, generosity, and an enduring commitment to those around her.
Derys was born on February 27, 1932, in Hartington, Nebraska, to Orlan and Lenyce Marsh. She graduated from Hartington High School in 1949 and earned her degree from the University of Nebraska in 1953.
On July 31, 1951, Derys married Donald Schultze, beginning a partnership that would span 67 years. Together they created a home filled with laughter, learning, hospitality, and adventure. Throughout her life, Derys embraced many roles, including wife, homemaker, teacher, receptionist, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Nothing brought Derys greater satisfaction than watching her family grow through the generations. She delighted in celebrating milestones, sharing traditions, and gathering loved ones together. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her life and a continual source of pride and joy.
One of the great pleasures of Derys and Don’s life together was travel. With their four children packed into a camper van, they explored 47 states, visited national parks throughout America, and made countless stops to visit cousins, relatives, and friends along the way. Those journeys created cherished memories and a lifetime of stories.
Derys enjoyed an active social life and had a special talent for making people feel welcome. She participated in numerous bridge clubs, dinner clubs, and home economics clubs over the years, forming friendships that endured for decades.
Don and Derys were devoted members of St. John Lutheran Church throughout their 60 years in Oskaloosa. She also quietly served others through volunteer work with Mahaska Health Partnership. She lovingly knitted beanies for newborn babies and wrote letters for hospice donors, offering comfort and encouragement during life’s most tender moments.
Derys and Don were lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker fans and enthusiastic supporters of the William Penn Statesmen. Whether listening on the radio, watching a game, or discussing the latest season, following their teams was one of the many interests they enjoyed together.
Derys is survived by her children, Anita (Jim) Smith, Jane (Brian) Martain, Robert (Stacy) Schultze, and Ronald (Sharon) Schultze; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Orlan and Lenyce Marsh, Derys was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Schultze; her brother, Dean Marsh; her sister, Barbara Schultze; and her brother, Todd Marsh.
In accordance with Derys’s wishes, there will be no visitation. The family will hold a private graveside memorial service in Oskaloosa to honor both Don and Derys.
Her family is grateful for the many memories, traditions, and stories she left behind. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Derys’s name to:
Forest Plaza Assisted Living
635 Highway 9 East
Forest City, Iowa 50436
