Obituary of Diane M. Shults

Diane May Shults, 87 years old, of Lakewood, NY and formerly of Scandia, PA "Blueberry Hill" and Sanibel Island, FL, passed away peacefully at home with her husband Edmond and daughter Kim at her side. Diane was born November 14th, 1933 in Dewittville, NY and attended Chautauqua schools. When Diane and Ed met, they quickly began what would become an inseparable life together. They married May 31st, 1953 and quickly started a family raising four children. Diane was the perfect wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family. She was an exceptional cook and her doors were always opened to all and there was always a meal being planned and prepared, often concluding with one of her famous rhubarb, apple, and peach pies. An annual event that was treasured by family and friends was the Fall Campfire Breakfast at their Blueberry Hill home. Here you would find daughters Cindy and Kim helping in the kitchen and the boys Ed Jr and Tim around the large skillet on the open fire. Diane was a great golfer at both of her home courses at Blueberry Golf Club and The Dunes on Sanibel. She enjoyed all of the ladies she played with and equally enjoyed the lunches after their rounds of golf. Diane and Ed were always together enjoying every sport or adventure they found while traveling the world. Diane loved fishing with Ed for many of their years together on Sanibel and many other fishing excursions. One memorable adventure was their trip to Great Bear Lake, Alaska, where Diane caught so many fish that she was exhausted from reeling in the 20+ pound Arctic Chars and fell backwards into the icy stream. Ed had the guide take her back to camp and when he returned, "Mother," as he affectionately referred to her, was sitting on a large rock in her long johns, at the water's edge, with a shaker full of martinis ready and waiting. In later years, after giving up fishing and golf, Diane loved her new passions of knitting and coloring. She passed on beautiful pictures and much sought-after afghans to all her family members. There was always a waiting list for the beloved blankets. "I just need one more, Grandma! I really need it", was the common refrain. Every day at 4 p.m. was their cocktail hour. Everyone was welcome and encouraged to come over and celebrate the 4 p.m. hour in style with shrimp cocktails and crackers and their favorite beverage. Diane and Ed always kissed hello, goodbye, and goodnight with three little pecks. The family would like to thank Chautauqua County Hospice & Palliative Care and Home Health Care Teams for their care, guidance, and friendship. Along with her husband Ed, Diane is survived by four children and their families: Son, Edmond Richard Shults, Jr. (Sue Parks Shults) of Bonita Springs, FL and Bemus Point, NY, grandson, Edmond Richard Shults III (Bevin) of Bemus Point, great-granddaughter Parker Shults and great-grandson, Edmond Shults IV, granddaughter, Nichole Leann Shults, great-grandson, Ty Shults and great-granddaughter, Quinn Johnson, and grandson, Kyle Lawrence Shults (Ciara Shults) of Jamestown, and great-granddaughter, Remmy Shults; Son, Tim Michael Shults (Betsy Hartley Shults) of Lakewood, NY, granddaughter, Laurie Lynn Shults of Lakewood, granddaughter, Mackenzie Rose Shults (E. Ismael Gomez) of Jamestown, great-granddaughter, Lucia Rose Gomez-Shults, granddaughter, Jillian Elizabeth Shults (Jimmy Rauh) of Jamestown, and granddaughter, Madeline Louise Shults of Sacramento, CA; Daughter, Cynthia Ann Shults Casler (and late husband, Ted Jeffery Casler) of Jamestown, grandson, Ted Jeffery Casler (Ebony) of Jamestown, great-granddaughter, Avionnah Casler, and late grandson, Dereck Michael Casler; and Daughter, Kimberly Diane Shults (David James Johnson) of Lakewood, NY, granddaughter, Ashley May Carlson Hyldahl (Jacob William Hyldahl) of Jamestown, great-granddaughter, Aurora Lee Hyldahl, great-grandson, Griffin Charles Hyldahl, great-granddaughter, Joie Elizabeth Hyldahl, granddaughter, Brittany Elizabeth Carlson of Jamestown, granddaughter, Carlie Anne Carlson of Jamestown, and grandson, Curtis Thomas Carlson of Lakewood. Also surviving are two siblings: her brother, Bill Francis of Ashville, NY and sister, Dawn Wellman of Ft. Myers, FL; and nieces and nephews including: Tom Francis, Shelly Francis, Brad Francis, Pat Francis, Sue Van Marter, Jackie Francis, Valerie Francis, Jody Seaton, Vicki Torres, Bill Francis, Jr., DeLean Shepard and Char Cavalier. In addition to her son-in-law, Ted Jeffery Casler and grandson, Dereck Michael Casler, Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Mae Wilson Francis Stafford, father, Chester Francis, stepfather, DeLean Dil Stafford, and stepmother, Virginia Stafford; and siblings: Tom Francis, Jim Francis, Kathleen Stafford Finger, and step-brothers, James Wellman and Jerry Wellman. A private family service will be held in the Lind Funeral Home, led by Deacon Dan Tyler. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.