Peggy Christian Shuler

Peggy Christian Shuler, devoted daughter, wife, and mother went home to her Heavenly Father March 2, 2024. Peggy was a native of Gonzales, having been born February 15, 1931, to Olive Elizabeth Moore and Byron Edward Christian. Her parents, “Tootsie” and “Butch” instilled her with the love of God, the value of hard work, and the joy of generosity.

Peggy graduated from Gonzales High School in 1949 and attended Baylor University to study music. She married John James Shuler, Jr, her high school sweetheart, June 27, 1950. Together they built a rich and full life filled with their faith, family, friends, and civic involvement.

Peggy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gonzales her entire life. She and Tootsie started Girls in Action (GA) in Gonzales, an organization designed to help girls grow spiritually. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and was a gifted musician. Peggy shared that talent as a member of the church choir, performing many solos, duets, and cantatas. She also played the piano, violin, and cello and was a part of the Baptist Church Joy Bells.

Her talent was not confined to music. Peggy had an eye for style and design and used that gift in a myriad of media—interior design, flower arranging, landscaping, clothing seamstress, and patternmaker. Whether styling apparel or designing rooms in her family’s home, Peggy excelled in creating fashionable ensembles and beautiful spaces.

She was a member of the Spade and Trowel Garden Club which provided an outlet to express her love of and talent for horticulture. Her home always had a lush variety of shrubs and flowers that reflected her “green” thumb.

As an accomplished cook and a skilled baker, Peggy loved hosting family and friends for the holidays or impromptu gatherings and was the consummate hostess. It was no wonder she and Johnny were members of Gonzales Supper Club, and group that met every month for decades.

Peggy was also a member of Mother’s Study Club, a group that met to discuss and exchange ideas that fostered healthy relationships among its members and with their children. Her devotion to children extended beyond her family and church youth, as she worked as librarian at Gonzales High School for seven years.

Her love of travel coupled with her outgoing personality garnered her countless acquaintances that often visited and discovered the gem of Gonzales that she frequently boasted of. Peggy never shied away from imparting words of wisdom or engaging in lively conversation be it with a child on the playground or the lonely widow confined to four beige walls.

Her infectious smile, compassionate nature, and spirited personality will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Johnny. Survivors include her daughter Cathy Shuler Fulton and her husband Joe Gwiz; son Chris T. Shuler; and grandson Samuel Lyle Shuler and his wife Christy.

Visitation and a celebration of Peggy’s life will be Monday, April 15 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11 am.