Alison Schuldt

If you knew Ali, you knew her laugh, her enthusiasm, and her remarkable ability to find the bright side of almost anything. Alison Lesley Schuldt was born on June 28, 1981, in Marion, Indiana, and grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, Bradley Scott and Peggy Jo (Hughes) Schuldt. She spent the next 44 years building friendships, loving fiercely, and leaving every place she touched a little brighter than she found it.

Within a week of her birth, Ali was already enjoying the waters of Lake Wawasee, a place that would forever hold a special place in her heart. She grew up in Culver, Indiana, and spent countless summers in Syracuse with her beloved grandparents, Joseph and Ethel Hughes. Her bond with her grandmother, whom she affectionately called "Gammy," was one of the defining relationships of her life. From her teenage years through adulthood, hardly a day passed without a conversation between them.

Ali never met a stranger. In fact, "Ali" was what nearly everyone called her because nearly everyone quickly became her friend. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her warmth, compassion, and genuine interest in others drew people to her wherever she went.

She was the proud mother of Sophie, Will, and Max, who were the center of her world. Whether she was cheering them on, homeschooling them, encouraging their interests, or simply spending time together, Ali poured her heart into motherhood. She loved deeply and unconditionally, and her children were her greatest joy.

Ali attended Culver Community High School and graduated with the Class of 2000. A lifelong lover of books, literacy, and learning, she possessed a natural gift for working with young people. She found her dream job as Youth Services Librarian at the Culver-Union Township Public Library, where she became a trusted mentor and friend to countless children and families. Her generosity knew no bounds, often quietly purchasing shoes, snacks, books, and other necessities for children in need.

Later, Ali embraced her role as a stay-at-home mother before becoming Executive Director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. She was passionate about preserving local history and sharing the stories that helped shape the community she loved so much. Syracuse was more than a hometown to Ali-it was a place she embraced wholeheartedly and proudly called home.

Ali was a lifelong lover of people and their stories. She could often be found with a good book in hand, sharing a recommendation, or losing herself in local history. She loved spending time on Lake Wawasee, watching the seasons change, and creating a warm and welcoming home for family and friends. Whether she was enjoying a bonfire, caring for her pets, exploring a museum, or gathering with those she loved, Ali had a gift for finding joy in life's simple moments.

One of Ali's favorite titles was "Aunt Ali." She adored her nieces and nephews, and they adored her right back. She had a special way of making every child feel important, seen, and loved.

In July 2025, Ali was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She faced every challenge that followed with extraordinary courage, determination, and grace. Through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hospitalizations, and hospice care, she continued to find reasons to smile and ways to connect with others. True to form, she made friends everywhere she went-even among doctors, nurses, technicians, and caregivers. Her strength, optimism, and resilience inspired all who witnessed her journey.

Ali passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She is survived by her husband Jonathan Gaskill, children, Sophia Luna Heath, William Joseph Gaskill, and Maxwell Whitman Gaskill; her parents, Bradley Scott and Peggy Jo Schuldt; her siblings, Ruth (Troy) Everett, Brian (Carly) Schuldt, Cassie (Jon) Hart, and Kevin (Kelly) Schuldt; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Mary Lou Schuldt and Joseph and Ethel Hughes.

A Celebration of Life honoring Ali will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the Syracuse Community Center in Syracuse, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, 1013 N Long Dr, Syracuse, IN 46567, at www.syracusemuseum.org , New Hope Pet Rescue, 72555 Co Rd 29, Syracuse, IN 46567, at www.nhprindiana.org , or the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library, 115 E Main St, Syracuse, IN, at www.syracuse.lib.in.us

Ali's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the kindness she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, Elkhart, IN, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com