Laretta Joy Schulze, age 59, of San Marcos, Texas passed away On October 9, 2023. She was born on August 27, 1964, to Irene G. (Braune) and Larry August Schulze.

Joy earned her B.S. in Biology from SWTSU.  She worked at a variety of jobs, including working at a bike shop, delivering bread products for Butter Crust Bakery, working at the San Marcos Fish Hatchery, and serving as a Park Ranger at Landa Park.

She always searched for opportunities to interact with people and nature.  Then, she enjoyed a 20-year career at the IRS as a tax form examiner and finally as an instructor for tax examiners. Joy was very proud of her ability to relate to her student examiners and help them achieve their goals.

Friends at the IRS say that Joy kept them entertained and joyful while working. As Joy's disability progressed and interfered with her ability to work long late-night shifts, Joy retired from the IRS.  In retirement, Joy enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and family, attending as many gatherings as she could.  Joy valued her independence but took every opportunity to interact with family, friends, and even people she just met. Her spirit will truly be missed.

Joy was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Margaret Braune, and August and Lois Schulze.

She is survived by her mother, Irene G. (Braune) Bierstedt and (George); father, Larry A. Schulze and (Dorothy); sisters, Larene Simmons (Garry), and Laura Ramirez (Troy); nieces, Jennifer Southworth (Josh), Avery Davis, Jeana Esparza (Efren), Chelsy Thornton (Casey), Hanna Simmons; nephews, Joel Ramirez (Kirsten Young), and Alex Simmons (Sarah); 4 great nieces; 3 great nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Frieden's Church. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Pastors Dave and Sonja Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Lone Oak Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Frieden's United Church of Christ, 2555 Friedens Church Rd, Seguin, Texas 78155.