Carolyn Diane Shults

Carolyn Diane Shults, daughter of Virginia and Kelly “Ked” Otto, left this world on Monday, September 7, 2026. Known to family and many friends as “Tootie”, she was born and raised in Twin Falls, Idaho.

A generous and kind soul, Tootie loved her family, friends and animals “great and small”, though she was particularly connected to horses.

Her concern for others was readily apparent. For Tootie, a most giving person, sharing of herself was a big part of her life. She was always thinking of the welfare of others. In the 90s, her colleagues at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival awarded her the person with “the longest memory and the biggest heart”.

She was also passionate about skiing. While attending the University of Utah and Christian Albrecht’s University, Kiel Germany (class of 1967), studying languages, education and ballet, she served on ski patrol at Alta, Utah ski area. She moved to Denver, Colorado in the 70s where she began her teaching career, and met her husband of 53 years, James “Dutch” Shults.

In 1975, they moved to Minneapolis, though she visited and maintained strong connections with her family and friends in the West. A proud graduate of Twin Falls High School class of 1963, her greatest joy was returning annually for reunions and classmates’ celebrations.

Tootie loved home, so her family was grateful she passed in her Minneapolis home. She is survived by her husband and nieces Kelly (von Stroh) and Mindy (Matthews) Bowman. She will be remembered, missed and loved.

A graveside service is planned at Sunset Memorial Park, in Twin Falls, ID, on October 3, 2026, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in memory of Tootie, to Idaho Horse Rescue (Idahohorserescue.org) or please mail to:

Idaho Horse Rescue

890 E Franklin Ste 202

Meridian, ID 83642