Claudette Shultz's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Claudette Merrill (Knight) Shultz
February 18th, 1945 - June 11th, 2025
It is with heavy hearts, but truly bright memories, that we announce the passing of Claudette
Shultz (or, as many of you knew her, Blondie). Her legacy will far outlive her, and we are all at
peace knowing she is drinking some Jack Daniels in Heaven with her mother and father
Maryanne and Cyril Knight, and her brother Buddy
Toward the end of her life, Claudette forgot bits of the light she carried; though, trust, that she
always had a spunky flicking off of "Butchie"-with her bent middle finger from her factory
days-somewhere in her spirit. In spite of this, not one person in her life ever let her lose it. Not for a second. She remained home, surrounded by the most loyal family and friends, until the very end. Thank you, to all who made that blessing possible.
We all carry a bit of her with us now. And isn't that exactly how she would have wanted it?
Regardless of how she's known to you (Nana, Mom, Claudie...), all can agree on her generosity.
Had she hit the lottery, she'd have given it all away, down to the very last "quawt-tah.' The Long
Island accent from her youthful days as Coney Island Blondie stuck with her.
Don't mistake it, though. She never did win much free money, even with the gambling she'd do
on the iconic girl's trips-where she could be seen (occasionally!) hugging a cute guy with a big
grin on her face and drink-in-hand. Claudette worked hard for everything she had and met most of her best friends from her days at Stouffer's. Her grandchildren would never know it. They'd just have the best homemade wings on Christmas Eve and open a ridiculous amount of gifts, surrounded by decorations of her favorite character: the Grinch.
Claudette made more than just the holidays memorable. Her life was a movie of some iconic
scenes-ones that would rival even Dirty Harry, if you know what we mean! She let those
around her always know how she was feeling (especially her daughter, Libby, who she loved to
tease just as much as she loved the annual beach trips they'd take). That woman lived loudly and proudly, and her fire warmed many hearts. The lines on her face proved that she felt a lot of joy. The good kind. The kind that is earned. The kind that endures, even after a loss like this one.
Claudette is survived by her children Libby (Kenneth "Alan" Cooper) and Butch (Tammy), her
grandchildren Ricky (Steph Wise), Myles, Jake (Alexis Gooding) Grandpup Smoke, Lex, Lana,
Ella, Julian, Clay (Lauren Cooper), Cain, Kya, Morgan (Shawn Bagley), Kasey (Michael
Wyemer), Gabriel, Eli and her great-grandchild R.J., her sister Libby Christino, and her sister-in-
law Marlene Knight, as well as by a community of extended family members and friends.
Her memory will live on in every tomato plant that grows, every family laugh, every stubborn
streak of independence she passed down. If you knew Claudette, chances are you've got a
story-probably one involving a little sass, a lot of heart, and as potent and pleasant as her
signature perfume.
We invite all who loved her to gather in celebration of her remarkable life on June 18 th at Green Funeral Care located at 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua Ohio 44255 from 5:00pm - 8:00 pm, and Funeral Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church located at 11045 Saint Joseph Blvd, Mantua Ohio 44255 at 10:30 am on June 19th . Luncheon immediately follows at 5762 State Route 82, Hiram, Ohio 44234 . Come ready to share memories, hold each other close, and remember the joy she carried and the grit she gave us.
Though she's no longer with us in body, her spirit is as loud as ever. We'll keep listening for her
voice in cardinals, in favorite songs, and in that knowing look passed between strong women
who've seen it all and still find reasons to laugh.
Well done, you wild and wonderful woman. Heaven's lucky to hold you now.
What’s your fondest memory of Claudette?
What’s a lesson you learned from Claudette?
Share a story where Claudette's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Claudette you’ll never forget.
How did Claudette make you smile?