Julie Lynn (Heft) Shultz, our treasured wife, mom, Gammy, sister, and friend, was unexpectedly called home on January 5, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 67 in Plano, Texas. Born on September 16, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, Julie was known for her undeniable warmth, ambition and love, leaving an incredible legacy for all those who loved her.
Julie grew up in Wichita and was the daughter of Jack Benson Heft and Doris Nadine (Scroggy) Heft. Creating a love story for the ages, she met the love of her life, Wesley Walker Shultz, at Wichita North High School. Upon graduation, she continued her education at Wichita State University where she joined Gamma Phi Beta and was a member of the inaugural class to receive a paralegal associate degree. On January 7, 1978, Wes and Julie were married in Wichita and began a marriage that lasted 47 years. Julie then joined Wes at Missouri Western State University continuing her education towards a business degree and they graduated together in December 1979. After moving home to Wichita, Julie began a legendary 37-year journey with Pizza Hut in their legal department. She was known for her work in corporate mergers and acquisitions and franchise development, priding herself on the relationships she built and cultivated with franchisees and colleagues. Upon her retirement in 2017, she was the longest tenured woman in the brand’s history.
Never one to sit still, she enjoyed planting flowers, reading, shopping, laying out by her pool and traveling to the beach (most often to Destin, her “happy place”). Her love language was cooking for others and family favorites included her spaghetti, carrot cake, banana bread and Christmas Bonbons. She was a proud and loud coach’s wife, enjoyed cheering for her girls and grandkids in sports, and was an avid KU basketball fan.
It is undeniable that Julie and Wes were soulmates on this earth and “so together they built a life they loved.” Their marriage was a true partnership. They were the parents all kids wanted to have, they were the couple that all lovers hoped to be, and they both were pillars of support that every family wishes were their foundation.
Time spent with “her girls” no matter the occasion was her favorite. Her passion for being a mom was admired by many and felt everyday by Jamie and Jackie. She made the little moments big, was an ever-present cheerleader, and created countless magical memories that will be cherished forever. She was a strong, successful woman and instilled these characteristics in her daughters.
Undoubtedly, her favorite role was being Gammy to Caden, Blakely, Jackson, and Rhett. She poured unconditional love into her grandbabies, always ready with warm hugs, yummy treats, and adventures. Her devotion to her family was evident in every moment she spent with them.
Julie was an impact person, a high-level achiever, fiercely loyal to friends and family, and had a passion for helping others and getting things done.
Julie is survived by her husband, Wes Shultz of Prosper, Texas; daughters, Jamie Pickel (and her husband, Steve) and Jackie Miller (and her husband, Mike) all of Prosper, Texas; grandchildren, Caden, Blakely, Jackson, and Rhett; sisters, Janet Wright and Jill Dobbins, both of Wichita Kansas; four nephews, two nieces, and a host of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on March 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Julie's obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/julie-shultz. A private family inurnment will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.