Patty “Pat” Lou Shultz, age 94, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away on January 14, 2026, at Linden Court surrounded by her family. She was born one of eight children to Willis and Marie (Montague) Prowett in Grand Island, NE on October 26, 1931.
Pat attended Grand Island schools until the start of her high school career when she then moved to North Platte with her family. It was here that she graduated in 1949 and then married Richard “Dick” Shultz on March 26, 1950. The couple had nine children together—Elizabeth, Richard, William, Michael, Dee Anna, Daniel, Sandra, Pamela, and John. Pat was a devoted mother, staying home with the children until the youngest began kindergarten. She then began her lifelong career as an administrative assistant for North Platte Public Schools.
Pat was a caregiver at heart; constantly tending to someone or working on a project. Her dedication as a mother spilled over into her children’s academics when she was recognized as the first lifetime member of the PTA at Lincoln Elementary. Pat held an unwavering faith, being an active member of the Bethel E Free Church and filling her time with bible studies. She loved to read, bake, and was a excellent seamstress.
Pat will be remembered by her 9 children, Elizabeth (Gary) Vedder of North Platte, Rick (Elizabeth) Shultz of Houston, TX, Bill (Cynthia) Shultz of Irvine, CA, Mike (Erin) Shultz of Omaha, Dee Anna (Duane) Brand of Casper, WY, Daniel (Cecelia) Shultz of Council Bluffs, IA, Sandra Murray (Robert Patterson) of Daytona Beach, FL, Pam (Dan) Miller of North Platte, and John (Kathy) Shultz of North Platte; 23 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; her siblings, Willis Jr., Delores, Donna, Charlotte, Arlene, Janice, Jackie and granddaughter, Melissa “Missy” Leibhart Vargas.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Bethel E Free Church with Pastor Noah Palmer officiating. Inurnment will be held following the service at 1 PM at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.