Jeannette Ilene (Norwood) Schultz

Jeannette Ilene Schultz, 88, was called to her heavenly home on June 11, 2019 at 1 PM, surrounded by her loving children. She passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, a day she has anticipated as a lifelong follower of Christ.

 
Jeannette was born on May 9, 1931 and was followed into the world by her identical twin sister, Virginia. Their steadfast, lifetime sisterhood and friendship began in Battle Creek, MI, where they were welcomed by adoring parents Harry and Ola (Lybarger) Norwood and older brother Nelson. The family eventually made their way to Detroit where Jeannette graduated from Cooley High School in 1949. Two years later she fell in love and married Richard W. Schultz on August 25, 1951 at Covenant Baptist Church, Detroit. They were married for 64 years, until Richard went home to be with the Lord in 2015.

 
The Schultzes eventually made a home in Peru, IN where Richard was the General Manager of WARU Radio and Jeannette worked as the Administrative Assistant. She also owned Sonshine Christian Bookstore and was active in various Christian organizations, from church Bible studies to Campus Crusade for Christ to Good News Club to Gideons International. Fulfilling her calling as a follower of Christ was the dearest mission of her life's work, and she touched countless lives with her outpouring of ministry and love. Jeannette was always actively involved with her church family and enjoyed singing in the choir. It's easy to imagine her now in the Heavenly Chorus, praising our Savior for an eternity!

Jeannette was a talented and accomplished artist in many mediums, an avid reader, a believer of great faith, and a devout ice cream lover. Some of the fondest family moments were spent in Ludington, MI, gathered at the House of Flavors. Ludington was a short drive away from Jeannette's "Heaven-on-Earth", Bitely, MI. Originally a tiny cabin built by her father overlooking Greening Lake, the Bitely home grew and transformed over decades of summers spent there. Her twin sister still lives mere steps away from that cabin and on any given summer day, they could be found on one another's porch or sitting by the water's edge together, lost in the easy conversation and companionship of twins-turned-lifelong-best-friends.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Schultz; brother, Nelson Norwood; and precious daughter, Darcee (Pat) Murphy.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia (George) Aho, of Bitely, MI; children, Jeff (Lynn) Schultz, of Pataskala, OH, Vic (Susan) Schultz, of Louisville, KY, and Holly (Bob) Constable, of Kokomo, IN. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

 
While we mourn our loss on earth, we can also celebrate Jeannette's restoration as a believer in Christ. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019, at First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington, Kokomo, with Pastor Cindy Lundin officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Lilley Township Cemetery, in Bitely, MI, with Pastor Bob Sponable officiating. Contributions may be made in Jeanette’s memory to Compassion International or to CRU. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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