Vanta Lea (Harvey) Schuetzle went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2025 while surrounded by family after a brief illness. She was born March 10, 1934 in Greens Fork, Indiana to Leroy and Ruby Harvey. In 1948,her parents traveled to Carlotta, and she, her 2 brothers and their dog Muggins made the trip in the back of their Willy’s Jeep. She attended Fortuna High School after arriving in California. She met her future husband Raymond Schuetzle at John and Mable’s Store in Carlotta. They married in June of 1950, and after the ceremony he rolled her down Main Street in Fortuna in a wheelbarrow. They enjoyed a life of family and love until his passing in 2005.

Vanta was active in community organizations. She was part of Cuddeback’s PTA, a Girl Scout Leader, and later in life a member of the DAR, and long time member of Fortuna Methodist Church.

Vanta enjoyed her many years working at Payless Drugs in Eureka. During this time she held several positions, but her favorite was being the warehouse manager. She made life long friends during her years at Payless.

Vanta enjoyed cooking for her family and neighbors, and is famous for her homemade apple pies. A skill she has passed on to several of her grandchildren. Over the years, she spent many hours baking thousands of cookies for her family, friends, and many organizations. She could be found enjoying her flower gardens, chickens, painting, canning and making jams and jellies. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Ruby, brothers Marvin, Butch, and John Harvey, husband of 55 years, Raymond, son-in-law Dan Carter, and Grandson Heath Browning. Vanta will be greatly missed by those who knew her. She is survived by her children, Suzie Woodward, Nancy Carter, Ernie (Valerie) Schuetzle, Randy Schuetzle, Keith (Angela) Schuetzle, and Regina Schuetzle. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and their spouses, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and brother Jerry Harvey. A memorial service will be held on October 18th at 12:00 at the Fortuna Monday Club. A potluck reception will immediately follow, please bring a potluck dish if you can.

A special thanks is given to PACE, Susanne Ross, Roxane Heiob, Dr. Jennifer Heidmann, and the staff at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House. Arrangements were handled by Ayres Family Cremation.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Ida Emmerson Hospice House or your favorite charity.

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