Marlea Shultz

Marlea Shultz was born July 19, 1968 to Lynda and Bill Shultz. She passed June 30, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer at 57 years old.

Marlea faced her illness with extraordinary strength, determination, and grace. A true fighter, she battled cancer with every ounce of her being until her very last breath. Her courage and resilience were an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

For more than 18 years, Marlea dedicated her career to serving students as a teaching assistant in the Raytown School District. She found great joy in helping children learn and grow, and she touched countless lives through her kindness, patience.

Above all else, Marlea’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved and created a lifetime of cherished memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

Marlea was blessed with an incredible circle of lifelong girlfriends who were more like sisters. Whether they were gathering each week to watch their favorite television show, planning their next girls’ trip, or simply spending time together, these friendships filled her life with laughter, love, and countless unforgettable memories.

She found peace and happiness in the outdoors. She loved camping, hiking, working in her yard, and admiring the flowers she had carefully nurtured and the satisfaction of a freshly mowed lawn. She also enjoyed quieter moments spent creating beautiful diamond dot art and paint-by-number projects. If there was one simple pleasure she never turned down, it was a good foot or shoulder rub from someone she loved.

Marlea is preceded in death by her husband, David Liggett, III; sister, Amber; father, William “Bill” Shultz; stepfather, Mel Wilson; sister-in-law, Jennifer; and grandparents, Juanita and Leroy.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory, including her daughter and son-in-law, Maclair and DJ Spruill; her treasured grandchildren, who referred to her as “Mia” Kash, Jayma, and Sophia; and bonus grandchildren, Dominic, Audrey, and Olivia, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life. She is also survived by her mother, Lynda Wilson; brother, Bryan; stepbrother, Scott; sister-in-law, Ginger; and mother- and father-in-law, David and Kathleen Liggett, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Those who knew Marlea will remember her for her strength, her caring heart, her fierce love for her family, and her ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. She taught those around her what perseverance truly looks like and reminded us all to cherish the simple moments in life.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her pain has ended and that she has been reunited with those who went before her. “Her fight is over, her victory is won, and her love will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.”

Services will be Tuesday, July 7, 2026, visitation 10AM, service 11AM at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Missouri 64133.