Barbara "Lea" Shultz

Barbara Lea Shultz (“Lea”), 85, of Casper, WY passed away on April 18, 2025, at Life Care Center of Casper following a brief illness.

Lea was born in Torrington, WY to Leonard and Phyllis Crowder on October 29, 1939. She attended Guernsey High School, where she was chosen as both Prom Queen and Homecoming Queen in her senior year, graduating as salutatorian in 1957. Lea went on to earn a Diploma from the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD in 1958 before moving to Casper where she worked as a secretary for Skelly Oil Company, and later Marathon Oil Company. She married Steve Shultz in early 1964, followed by the birth of her son, Gregory. Her daughter Kelley was born in 1970. Among her many roles, being a devoted housewife and loving mother was her highest priority. In 1976 she started and managed an oil field industrial supply business with her husband, which closed in 1981. Her marriage to Steve ended in 1990 and he died the same year. Lea retired from Union Oil Company/Quicksilver Resources in 2006 after 25 years with the company.

Lea’s deep faith in God was life-long. She was active in her church for many years, where she formed some of her dearest friendships. A creative person, she loved singing, playing piano and painting. Her pride in her English heritage was instilled by her maternal grandparents who immigrated from Cornwall to Sunrise, WY. Time spent in the mountains brought her great joy, as did travel, but nothing pleased her more than spending time with family and her many friends. Lea’s gentle kindness and optimistic, loving spirit are her legacy. She once said, “Life has had its trials and joys, but God gets us through them all.”

Lea is survived by her son Gregory Shultz of New York City and daughter Kelley Shultz of Casper, as well as nephews, cousins and other beloved family members. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Stephanie Crouch and brother Russell Crowder. A private ceremony was held at Bustard’s Funeral Home before cremation.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to Life Care Center of Casper, to whom memorial donations may be made in Lea’s honor, located at 4041 S Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601.