Patricia Ann Schultz

Patricia Ann Schultz (née Molnar), age 76, of Belleville, Illinois, was born on December 3, 1949, in Shelby, Ohio, and was called to heaven on the afternoon of Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Patricia—known lovingly as Pat, Trish and Nana—was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother/mother-in-law, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a beloved sister, aunt and friend to many. Her warmth, creativity, faith, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.

Pat was a beloved mother of two children, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of two. She was the middle child of five, sharing close bonds with her two sisters and two older brothers. Growing up, Pat experienced many moves due to her father’s career in government civil service. From Shelby, Ohio, the family relocated to Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, and later to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where they settled in Miamisburg. It was there that Pat met the love of her life, Daniel Schultz, through Luther League, where Dan’s parents served as youth advisors.

As a young woman, Pat was deeply involved in community service through Rainbow Girls, a Masonic-affiliated organization. Her leadership and compassion were evident early on, culminating in her role as Worthy Advisor, the organization’s local president.

Music played a central role in Pat’s life. A gifted pianist, she served her church and school through her talent, accompanying choirs, orchestras, and musical productions throughout high school. She also accompanied her Luther League as they provided worship services at the Dayton Correctional Institute—an early reflection of her servant’s heart. A treasured family story recalls her mother’s rule that whichever child played the piano the longest would inherit the family Spinet piano. That piano remains in her home today, patiently awaiting the next generation to claim it. While in high school she worked at a nursing/retirement home, Bethany Lutheran Village, as a nurses aid.

After high school, Pat became a certified cosmetologist and worked for five years, proudly helping support Daniel through college. She married her high school sweetheart, Ret. Lt. Col. Daniel Schultz, and embraced life as a U.S. Air Force officer’s wife. In that role, she provided steadfast support not only to her family but also to other military spouses, helping them navigate the challenges of military life while their loved ones served.

After becoming a mother, Pat’s artistic talents flourished. She worked as an art instructor, teaching oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting. Her creativity later evolved into tole (folk art) painting, where she achieved international recognition. Pat became a published instructor, through a Japanese publication, and was an active member of the National Tole Painting Society. Her work was selected for the White House Christmas tree, with ornaments later housed at the Smithsonian Institution. One of her proudest moments was being invited to a White House luncheon by First Lady Barbara Bush in honor of her artistic contributions.

In later years, Pat had a 20-year career as an admin with Woolpert LLC, Fairview Heights, Illinois. She turned her creative gifts toward quilting, card-making, embroidery, sewing, needlepoint, and cross-stitch. For over 15 years, she faithfully served through Faith Lutheran Church’s ELCA Lutheran World Relief quilt program, creating quilts that provided comfort and hope to people around the world.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Aina Molnar (née Carlson); her mother-in-law, Loueda Schultz (née Zink); and her brother, Charles Molnar.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Daniel Schultz; her daughter, Tamara A. Manes (Macabee); her son, Douglas C. Schultz (Carrie, née Mills); her father-in-law, Paul T. Schultz; her brother, Robert Molnar (Mary J., née Baker); her sisters, Cynthia Domi (Larry) and Anne Beane (Donald) née Schenck, Sister-in-law Karyn Kline, née Molnar, Bergstedt; brother-in-laws Paul S, (Lynn, née Rajala) and Thomas Schultz; grandchildren, Alexia Doutherd, Kaleb Manes, Rebekah Yochim, Drake Schultz, and Grant Schultz; and her great-grandchildren, Stella Edmonson Manes and Mark Yochim. Aunt Pat will be missed by her loving nephews and nieces.

Patricia Ann Schultz will be remembered for her gentle spirit, boundless creativity, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the love she shared, the beauty she created, and the lives she touched.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm CDT with visitation at 1:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E Highway 50, O’FALLON, IL 62269. Phone: (618) 632-5562

Private burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date.