Obituary of Suzanne Gammel Shults

Suzanne Gammel Shults , age 76, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2015 following complications from surgery. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Her wishes were to be cremated and a Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 5th at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Suzanne was born June 26, 1939 in Nashville, TN to the late Marion H. Tanksley and Dr. Zeke C. Gammel. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Loyd R. Shults . She is survived by daughters, Anne R. Leyden (John), Elinor H. High (Greg); son David S. Rains; her precious grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Zach, Katheryn, Nicole and Chelsea; sister Marilyn G. Hayes (Phillip); brother Richard C. Gammel; niece and nephew Laura and Neal Hayes and many loving extended family members and dear friends. Suzanne graduated from Emory University in 1961 majoring in English. She later moved to Nashville in the early 1970s with her 3 young children and completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She was employed for 25 years with the Metro Nashville Public School System serving children and families with devotion and compassion. She was a member of Lambuth Memorial Methodist Church in Gallatin, TN. Throughout her life and especially after her retirement, Suzanne was active with numerous projects and organizations including the McKendree Lambuth at Gallatin and the Bledsoe Creek State Park restoration. She loved her God and all of His creations, especially animals, wildflowers and anything related to their preservation. Her loving spirit will be with us forever. A special thanks to “adopted son” Roger Thurber and his wife Linda who loved and supported her for many years. Also, to the caregivers of Comfort Care, Hendersonville, TN who enhanced her quality of life over the past few years. Donations may be made in her memory to: The American Autism Society; United Cerebral Palsy of St. Joseph, MO who gave her grandson with Asperger’s his magical start in life; The Humane Society of Tennessee; Any organizations dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and nature as well as organizations that improved the quality of life of children. Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com Family Heritage Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.