The world has lost a bright light. Catherine Michelle Shultz “Cat”, 52, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Cat was the true embodiment of loving with a kind heart. She never met a stranger, and was always willing to share words of love, welcome, and encouragement. Despite having daunting physical struggles, she stayed strong and fought every day to bring joy to others.

Cat’s greatest loves in life were her furbabies: Doogie Mauser “Doogie”, Mr. Meowgi, and Whitman (who is waiting across the rainbow bridge). She was in her truest happy place when surrounded by dogs, and spent the height of her career as a Certified Dog Trainer training scent dogs for narcotics, bite training, helping with dogs with aggression issues, and bringing peace to many troubled dog families. Cat’s other lifelong love was art and music. From sitting with her Grandpa Shultz drawing snoopy, to running a pen and ink art business when she was younger, to drawing beautiful pen and ink wildlife, Cat’s artistic abilities could make you see the intricate emotions in her subject’s eyes.

Cat was a strong and passionate advocate for many causes throughout her life, including defending our 2nd Amendment rights, promoting 2nd Amendment rights and protections for Disabled Americans, advocating for Domestic Violence victims, and protecting our furry friends. A long the years, Cat touched many hearts and lives with her open-minded wisdom, pureness, and ability to speak from the heart and welcome open-sided debate. She had a brilliant mind and strong intellect.

Cat was preceded in death by her mom, Jean Carla Shultz, uncle Phillip Aaron Shultz, grandparents Carl and Velma Shultz, and many beloved great aunts, great uncles, and cousins. Cat leaves behind a small but loving family of close cousins and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 5382 Grace St, Dublin, VA 24084, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in remembrance of Cat to your local animal shelter, or to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke.

The Shultz family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com