Mabel Schultz

Mabel Ann Schultz, 96, of Hamilton, passed away on September 1, 2016.

Mabel was born to Nick and Lizzie Laas on the family ranch north of Chester. She was the middle of six siblings: Walt Laas, Charlie Laas, Gus Laas, Edna Leffler, and Billie Hamel. Growing up, Mabel worked on the ranch herding sheep and doing her share of the chores. She loved playing basketball and was always active. In high school, she met the man that would become her husband - Bill Schultz. They were married on May 21, 1942 and have two children, Ginger Green (of Missoula) and Nick Schultz (of Conrad). Mabel worked many jobs as an adult, but her greatest love was working at the Liberty County Hospital, where she touched many lives.

Mabel and Bill retired in 1975 to Manson, WA where they worked together on the family apple orchards. A little known talent Mabel cultivated was oil painting. She enjoyed painting scenery, old buildings, and animals from Montana and places that she’d visited. She took pictures and clipped inspiration from magazines.

In 1992, two grandchildren brought Mabel and Bill back to Montana, and they settled in to their house in Hamilton. Bill passed away that same year. Mabel was the happiest when she was “digging in the dirt”, and loved the many hours she spent in the orchard, her garden, or puttering around the yard. More than one dinner was burned when she went outside and all else was forgotten.

Mabel also loved dancing every week, and had a way of being a friend to anyone and everyone she rubbed shoulders with. She always had time to stay and have a chat. Mabel had a wonderful sense of humor, and was often dressing up and making others laugh and have a good time.

Mabel is survived by Ginger & Al Green, Nick & Irva Jean Schultz, granddaughters D’Et (Will) Heffington, Jolene (Andy) Glover, great-grandchildren Dazzy, Gabe, & Isaiah Glover, and Malcolm Heffington, sister-in-law Dona Laas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Intermountain Childrens Home (3240 Dredge Drive Helena, MT 59602), the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (211 3rd Ave N, Lewistown, MT 59457), or a charitable organization of the giver’s choice.