Brenda K. (Cochran) Schultz, 77, lifelong resident of Decatur, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, September 10, 2026. She was born in Decatur, IN, on May 10, 1949, the daughter of the late James and Janet (Zeser) Cochran. On July 12, 1969, she married John Schultz and after 56 wonderful years together, he preceded her in death on October 24, 2025.
She was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. She worked at Lincoln Life and GE. She was then a beloved waitress for many years at West End Restaurant. She has always held West End and all the people associated with it very near and dear to her heart.
Brenda was known for her huge heart and giving ways. She loved doing small acts of kindness without seeking attention. She was the best listener, very in-tuned in any conversation, always showing empathy and compassion. She was the most genuine and sincere person who connected with anyone. Some of her connections and relationships were well beyond her core family members and friends. You never knew who would be the next person for her to excitedly tell you about and who she made that connection with. She also had a way of making people laugh, both intentionally and unintentionally! Needless to say, she was truly one of a kind!
Leisurely, Brenda enjoyed her flowers and had quite the green thumb! She especially loved her geraniums. She enjoyed sitting and talking, and was quick to take a break at any time. The most important thing to her was family. She loved large and was so special in the lives of her siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, children, but especially her husband and grandchildren. She would travel on many excursions and weekend getaways with John over the years. You never knew what their next trip would entail. Brenda and John started what became a popular spring break destination for many relatives and friends at Ft. Myers Beach after discovering a perfect “village” of condos. Above all, her pride and joy were her grandchildren. She attended sporting events and activities regularly. She and John included the kids on many trips, big and small. This ranged from amusement parks, MLB & NFL games, shopping sprees, salon trips with the girls, and the list is endless. She even talked John into putting in a pool for the grandkids!
She is survived by her son, Mike (Trish) Schultz of Ft. Wayne; daughters, Becky (Joe) Ruble & Lisa (Josh) Mills both of Decatur; 7 grandchildren, Olivia & Sophie Schultz, Jon & Isaac “Ike” Ruble, Emma, Katie, & Ben Mills; a sister, Debbie (Willie) Hackman of Decatur; 4 brothers, Jim (Becky) Cochran, Kim (Teresa) Cochran, Kent Cochran, all of Decatur, and Jeff Cochran of ID; sister-in-law, Becky Cochran of Decatur; also John’s family, brothers-in-law, Tom “Hoss” (Sandy) Schultz & Bill (Kellie) Schultz both of Decatur; sisters-in-law, Gerri Matheny of Ossian, Mary (Danny) French, Jane Beery, Joyce Schultz, & Ann Schultz all of Decatur; & many beloved nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Cochran; brothers-in-law, Dave, Mike, Jim “Barney”, Fred Schultz; Otto Matheny, Mike Beery; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Schultz; father & mother-in-law, Leo & Cordelia “Corky” Schultz; nieces, Jennifer Beery & Michelle James; & nephews, Eryk Heck & Luke Schultz.
Visitation will be held from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 2:00 p.m. Attire is casual.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon presiding. Burial will immediately follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or the Women of St. Mary’s.
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