Delta Lorene Schutz

Delta Lorene Schutz Delta Lorene Schutz (Guinn), 96, long time resident of Toppenish, Washington and known by many in the community as “Nana,” was called to her Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center after a long and beautiful life. Delta was born February 16th, 1925 to Desmond and Isa May Guinn in Buckley, Washington. She was the fourth of five children in the Guinn family, and was delivered by her father at midnight. Delta was a daddy’s girl! She loved to be carried around by him and even elected to use his birthday, February 17th, as her own later in life (much to the surprise of her family). A proud French/Irish woman, she grew up helping out in the home with her mother and the hop fields with her father. She was raised in the Non-denominational Christian church and spent much time as a child and young girl at church or in the service of her family. One of her main jobs was carrying water to the hop fields for her brother and father daily, a job which she did not love, but did anyway. She attended school in Outlook and Prosser as a young girl, and her life-long dream was to become a teacher. Delta was as resilient as she was kind. She survived polio at age 10 and had to leave school the summer before her junior year in high school to move with her family to Western Washington to care for her mother. She never re-enrolled in school and lamented this throughout her life that she didn’t finish. Her love of school and learning would carry over throughout her lifetime as a mother, a Nana and as a community volunteer. It was following her family’s move that she was introduced by her cousin to a handsome young man, Melvin J. Schutz of Toppenish. She knew they were meant for each other from the beginning! With special permission from her father, Delta and Melvin were married on April 18th, 1942 in Toppenish. Their love story was one for the ages. They never stopped dating and celebrated 70 years of marriage before Melvin’s passing in 2012. He even went as far as requesting bench, not bucket, seats in his Del Monte company car so Delta could always ride right next to him. He was the love of her life and she was his. Melvin and Delta were only separated in their many years together by war and work. Shortly after they were married, Melvin was sent to basic training in Tennessee. As soon as she was able, Delta joined him there and remained there at the Army base until he was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. She returned to Toppenish, pregnant with their first child. In 1943, Delta gave birth to the couple’s first child, Cheryl K. Schutz. Delta and Melvin would be reunited when Melvin returned from the war in June, 1945. Mel & Del bought a small home and life was good! He worked for the Del Monte Corporation and she worked as a homemaker. They welcomed a second child into their family in 1953, Ricky Lynn Schutz. Delta was a devoted wife and mother. She took great pride in these roles and spent many years supporting her children in school and caring for her hubby and home. She would often say she had wanted a dozen children, but the good Lord gave her two, and she was so very grateful for them. During this time of her life, Delta was active in the PTA, Boy Scouts as a Den Mother and she never missed a concert or sporting event. Being a mother gave her the second greatest joy of her lifetime, becoming a Nana. She helped care for all eight of her grandchildren; watching and teaching them throughout the years. She may never have held a certificate, but she was an extraordinary teacher! She instilled a love of reading and writing in each of her grandbabies. Delta taught morals, manners, respect and how to work. Her day started early and only ended when she was satisfied with what she had completed for the day. She also reinforced a strong faith and belief in her family; although they stopped attending church services in the 1950’s, Nana never stopped sharing the word of the Lord. Delta and Melvin’s devotion to family was constant. They never missed a game, a concert, an event or an activity of their grandchildren. They would often take them camping for the weekend (one of their favorite activities) or with them as they bowled in their bowling league. Nana was a great hostess and loved having every holiday in her home. She reveled in spending time with those that she loved and took great pride in every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter celebration. She was especially good at creating traditions for her children and grandchildren that they continue to treasure to this day. Nana and Papa lived a full and active life through and beyond retirement. They were active members of the Eagles in Toppenish for many years and supported the Toppenish Booster Club. Nana was a master note writer and supported the Eagles in the kitchen and by writing letters to bereaved families. She and Papa loved to travel during this time. They would take long trips across the Pacific Northwest with their long-time friends and family, Connie and Stella Wentz and Chuck and Vi Slagg. You could also find them walking miles and miles around the Toppenish community each morning to stay healthy. Nana was an avid reader and continued to read her Bible and her favorite Amish stories until she was no longer able to do so. Delta is survived by her sister Tina (Ken) Marsh of Puyallup and daughter Cheryl (Schutz) Affholter of Yakima, her daughter-in-law Debra (Stewart) Schutz of Toppenish and her eight grandchildren: Andy (Diane) Affholter, Randy (Tara) Affholter, Shannon (Shannon) Affholter, Jacob (Beth) Schutz, Jessica (Rob) Bjur, Janay (Joseph) Monzingo, John and Joshua Schutz. She also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. She also has numerous nieces, nephews and cousins on both sides of her family tree. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Melvin, and her loving son Rick Schutz. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Isa and Desmon, three siblings and their spouses, and all of her in-laws. Over her 96 years, Delta lost several nieces and nephews and many of her friends. She is reunited with them all and watching down on us, as another of our guardian angels. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 30th at the Zillah Cemetery for family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish at 11 am following the graveside service on the same day. Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home is handling all services for Delta. All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life of this incredible women’s life and legacy. Her family would like to thank Karen Lommers for being a dear friend and book buddy to Delta for many, many years. They would also like to thank Fieldstone Orchard West, Good Samaritan, Memorial Hospice and Colonial Funeral Home for all their help and care for their dear Nana and mother at the end of her journey. Nana loved to read and share the joy of reading with her family; her family would like to continue on her love by purchasing books for local children to enjoy. Those that would like to contribute, donations can be made at Colonial Funeral Home or you may bring your favorite children’s book to donate at her Celebration of Life Service. We love you Nana, to the moon and back.

Delta Lorene Schutz

February 16, 1925 - July 15, 2021

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Delta Lorene Schutz

February 16, 1925 - July 15, 2021

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