Myrtle Frances (Littrell) Schulze, 97 years old, died on December 6, at Brookdale Skyline Memory Care Center in Colorado Springs, CO. She was born on July 22, 1928, to Goldie and Herb Littrell in a small coal mining town of Dawson, New Mexico. She was the second of eight children.
The Littrells lived near various small towns in northern New Mexico. Myrtle recalled going to a different school every year. Her father Herb, worked for the railroad until he was able to buy a ranch where many of her sisters were born. The family moved to Westcliffe in 1946. Myrtle stayed behind to finish her senior year and graduated from Springer High School in Springer, NM. After graduation, Myrtle came to Colorado with her family, and there she met her husband, Leslie Schulze. They were set up on a blind date and married on April 18, 1948.
Myrtle and Leslie bought a ranch, south of Rosita, where they raised their family. Together, they had six children. She was known to her family as Mom or Granny, and we all have memories of Dad calling her āMertā. They lost their first child, Larry, shortly after he was born. Myrtle is survived by her children, Claricy Ann (Randy) Rusk, Leslie āBillā William (Dody) Schulze, Cindy Lou (Clint) Seiling, Thomas āTomā Owen (Pat), and Connie Frances (Trevor) Peterson. Myrtle had 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Mary (Jim) Patterson, Nancy (Wayne) Hanssen, and sisters in law Deanne Littrell and Doris Ask. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie, on May 19, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Trudi Jo Seiling-Moore; and great- granddaughter, Sara Conrad Long.
The Schulzes left the Wet Mountain Valley in 1987 due to health issues. They lived in Truth or Consequences, NM, and Sun City, AZ. After Les passed, Myrtle returned to Westcliffe, where she lived independently. Recently, she lived at Capella Pueblo West Assisted Living and Brookdale Skyline Memory Care Center in Colorado Springs.
Myrtle was all about family; her best times were with family. She loved to get everyone together and orchestrated several family reunions. In addition to anything family, she loved to travel and was able to see much of the world. She loved to dance and she and Les enjoyed square dancing. Myrtle enjoyed playing golf, bowling, learning new crafts and going to Cripple Creek or anywhere that she could win a big pot of money. During her slower years she could be found working puzzles, playing cards and tending to her poppies, holly hocks and lilacs. We all have fond memories of her famous beans and likely have a jar of Chokecherry jelly she made, she loved to cook! Myrtle was involved with the Cattlewomen and promoted ranch life and beef. She loved animals and always had a dog at her side. She was a member of Hope Lutheran church of Westcliffe, CO.
Funeral service for Myrtle Schulze were held December at Hope Lutheran Church, Westcliffe. Interment followed at the Lutheran Cemetery. Reception to follow at Hope Lutheran church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brighton Hospice, 6005 N Delmonico Drive, Suite 225, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. BrightonHospice.com.
