Ursula Monika Lain

Ursula Monika Lain (née Schuetz), 83, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away on June 11, 2025. She was born to Hermann and Edith Schuetz in West Berlin, Germany, on September 17, 1941. Ursula enjoyed competing in several high school sports and even won medals in the annual Berlin City Olympics.

In 1962 Ursula worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army, where she met and married American Army Officer Thomas O. Lain. They would later move to the United States, where she spent the rest of her life. She pursued many career opportunities including volunteering with the Lexington County Solicitor’s office as a Victim’s Advocate, working as an English as a Second Language instructor, and serving as a Board Member of the Columbia Literacy Council. Ursula and Tom began their own company in 1987, Lain Consulting Contractors, where they offered services as Licensed Building inspectors. Ursula was also among the very first female contractors licensed by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. In addition to her work, Ursula enjoyed traveling and was an avid bridge player, participating in two bridge clubs for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas O. Lain; her children, Gary Lain (wife Angela Youngblood Lain) and Monika Lain-Shaw (husband Jerry A. Shaw); her grandchildren, Emily Fryga (husband Pierce Fryga), Aly Lain-Jose (husband William Jose), and Jae Shaw (wife Geneveve Nerido); and her great-grandchildren, Sloane Fryga and Cholo Matthew Nerido. She was predeceased by her parents, her son John Lain, and many much-loved pets over the years, most recently her dog Max.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on June 28, 2025, at Beulah Methodist Church in Gilbert, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Beulah Methodist Church of Gilbert, 161 Beulah Church Road, Gilbert, SC 29054.