Cerese Schultz of Tyrone, New Mexico, died in her sleep on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the Fort Bayard Rehabilitation Facility at Fort Bayard, New Mexico. She was 78 years old.

She was born on December 14, 1937 in Fort Morgan, Colorado. She graduated from South High School in Denver, Colorado in 1956. She graduated from Metropolitan College in Denver, Colorado with an Associate degree in Human Services.

She retired from Red Lobster in 1993, and as a second career went to work for Wal-Mart. Cerese retired from Wal-Mart in July of 2015, after almost 22 years as a greeter and then a cashier.

She was a courageous, sweet and caring person who will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed reading (especially her Bible), crocheting, and sewing. She always enjoyed playing a marble board game called GǣExasperationGǥ, a board game which had been passed down through her family. During this past year she took an active interest reading her books with a tablet. Cerese was also a die-hard Denver Broncos fan wearing team colors not only on game day but all through the year.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Gerald Schultz; two daughters, Mona Stowers (Craig) of Anchorage, AK; Lora Schultz, of Independence, MO; a son, Eric Schultz, of Seward, AK; a granddaughter, Gabrielle Schultz, of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Frances Whiteley, of California; a brother, Montford Whiteley III of Michigan; and step-mother, Mrs. Shirley Whiteley, of Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her father, Montford Whiteley; mother, Cynthia (Dahms) Whiteley; and step-mother, Harriet (Cox) Whiteley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Colorado Post-Polio Connections c/o Easter Seals Colorado.

Bright Funeral Home handled arrangements. She was interred in a private burial at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, NM. A gathering of her family and close friends to honor her life will be held at a later date.