01/22/2026
Friends of Big Cypress National Preserve are mourning the loss of one of our founders and president of the board and dear friend, Sheila Harris-Schutz, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on New Year’s Day in Naples, Fla., at age 77.
Sheila was the primary driving force behind the beginning of our non-profit which hit the Naples scene about a year ago.
Sheila’s decades-long commitment to equity, education and inclusion left an indelible mark on the Naples community and far beyond. As a dedicated supporter and board member of GLSEN Collier, she championed safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ+ youth and brought her passion, warmth and wisdom to every cause she touched. leader and a founder of Friends of Big Cypress National Preserve, Sheila Harris-Shutz has passed away. We are devastated by the news.
Dear Friends & Family, it is with a heavy heart that the Harris & Schutz families share the following:
Obituary:
Sheila Harris-Schutz, 77, unexpectedly passed peacefully in her sleep on the morning of January 1, 2026, in Naples, Florida. Born on February 28, 1948, in Hardinsburg, Indiana, Sheila lived a life rich with adventure, love, and deep-rooted family connections. The youngest of five children born to Clyde and Berniece (Mock) Harris, Sheila grew up surrounded by the warmth of a large family. Her oldest brother, Donald (Patsy) Harris of Hope, Indiana, is her only surviving sibling. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Schatzie, whom she loved beyond measure. Sheila was preceded in death by her husband (Peter Schutz), her parents, two sisters (Mary Lee Newlin and Thelma Myers), and her brother (Robert Harris).
Sheila’s journey through life was marked by a vibrant spirit and an unwavering dedication to those she loved. On New Year’s Eve of 1980, she married Peter Schutz, with whom she shared a remarkable partnership until his passing in 2017. Their life started together in Germany with Peter’s 7 years as CEO of Porsche, AG. Through their union, Sheila became an integral part of Peter’s family. She is survived by his daughter, Lori Schutz (David Clardy) and twin sons Mitchel (Candy) and Michael (Debbie), as well as
four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Over the past 45 years, Sheila built a cherished bond with
each of them.
In the last year of her life, Sheila found companionship and joy with her partner, Larry Tibstra, and together they traveled extensively and embraced life with enthusiasm. Whether exploring new destinations or enjoying quiet moments together, their time was filled with laughter and love. Although Sheila had no biological children, she fully embraced her role as the “fun” aunt to her extended family.
She leaves behind 11 nieces and nephews, 19 great-nieces and nephews, and more than 10 great-great-nieces and nephews. Her presence at the Harris/Alder/Mock (HAM) Family Reunions was always a highlight and she delighted in reconnecting with cousins and relatives from Toledo and across the country. Everyone looked forward to spending time with her, and many have fond memories of adventures with “Aunt Sheila.”
Sheila wore many hats throughout her life—artist, philanthropist, business owner, advocate—but above all else, she was an inspiration. In her early career she was the Marketing Training Manager for Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, before moving to Germany where she started her own training business before marrying Peter. When they settled in Naples in 1988, Sheila created their consulting company to teach others how to be successful in business and in turn this allowed them the opportunity to travel the world. Over the next decade, Sheila had a massage business focusing on her specialty of Cranial Sacral Therapy as a result of a 3-year training in Switzerland. During this time, she simultaneously ran Harris & Schutz, promoting and booking Peter on the speaking circuit for 20 years.
In addition to managing her businesses, Sheila became deeply involved in Naples' civic and social causes, driven by her desire for making a difference. Passionate about charitable work and awareness initiatives, she gave generously of her time and energy to causes close to her heart. Sheila served on numerous non- profit boards, including Fresh Start for Abused Women, AMI (American Marine Institute) Kids, ICAN (Island Coast Aids Network), Greater Naples Leadership and GLSEN (Gay, Le***an, & Straight Education Network). Most recently, she was a founding member and president of Friends of Big Cypress National Preserve, a local non-profit that provides financial and volunteer support for several environmental, educational, and outreach programs. In addition to her work with local non-profits, Sheila was a Hospice volunteer for more than 15 years as well as a certified Alzheimer’s caregiving practitioner/consultant having considerable personal experience through caring for both her sister and her husband over the course of several years.
Sheila was dedicated to a life of learning and personal growth. She attended Indiana University and East Stroudsburg State University and spent a decade in Europe teaching interpersonal communication in English and German. At every opportunity, she focused on learning and spent her time acquiring hours of education in subjects she wanted to learn about in lieu of working toward a particular degree. Her desire to seek knowledge on an array of subjects was something that made her so interesting to those around her. Those fortunate enough to have known Sheila remember her as brilliant, caring, eccentric, passionate, vibrant, gracious, dedicated, creative, savvy, beautiful, witty—and above all loving.
Sheila extended her generous spirit through her love of entertaining friends and family. She was an amazing cook, often using generous amounts of heavy cream, cheese, butter and salt – so much so that it earned her the nickname “Mrs. Butterton.” However, she still loved eating fresh produce, especially corn-on-the-cob and ripe tomatoes when visiting her family during Indiana summers. From her breakfast strata to prime-rib with all of the sides, she nourished our bodies and our souls.
Sheila’s life was a novel filled with fascinating chapters set against backdrops around the globe—each page brimming with colorful characters and unforgettable moments. And now her story has reached its final chapter. But like every great classic, Sheila leaves us with forever memories and a lasting reminder of a life beautifully lived with family and friends who were wonderfully loved.
Sheila Harris-Schutz, 77, unexpectedly passed peacefully in her sleep on the morning of January 1, 2026, in Naples, FL. Sheila is survived by her oldest brother, Donald (Patsy) Harris of Hope, IN, and more than 50 extended family members. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Schatzie. Sheila was preceded in death by her husband (Peter Schutz), her parents, two sisters, and one brother. A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 6, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples.
Complete obituary and service details can be found on Baldwin Brothers website: https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/sheila-harris-schutz/. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following non-profits that were near and dear to Sheila:
"Friends of Big Cypress National Preserve" https://www.friendsofbigcypress.org/donate.
