Stephne (Stevie) Van Voorhies Gaty Sheatsley
Stevie Sheatsley passed away peacefully at 89 on April 5, 2023, under the full pink moon.
Her spirit is carried on by four children, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and friends and relations from all walks of life.
She was born on September 20, 1933, in La Jolla, California. An only child, she was loved and cherished by her grandmother who raised her after her father went MIA in the Burma War.
Her life was a rich and complex tapestry of experiences. A free thinker and spirit with curiosity in her bones, Stevie had a deep love for understanding the intricacies of our world that are often overlooked. Not to mention a great eye for style paired with the rare ability to find forgotten treasures, which she collected with care and fascination.
Stevie lived many lives in one: from raising and training Quarter Horses and establishing a thriving water garden business to founding two alternative schools, and even pioneering the quintessential hippie experience in Santa Barbara, CA. She often said of herself that she “majored in Nice”, a sentiment that was felt by all who were held by her generous heart.
Stevie and her husband of 45 years, Billy, were an unlikely pair bound together by their calling to build both handcrafted homes and communities.
She delighted in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Clint Perry, Shannon Schott; Torre Freeman (Kevin Davis), Freya Davis, Kate Schott-Montgomery; Ben Prairie, Clara Montgomery, Kevin Schott (Yvonne); Alora Schott (Zach Ward), Genevieve Ward, Brandon Schott, Nathan Schott (Jessica).
A voracious reader and eccentric storyteller by nature, she gathered details and histories and tidbits with childlike wonder in the world around her, which lead to many adventures at home and abroad.
Stevie was all in for life, and had no interest in death or what comes after, even declining to discuss or acknowledge any final wishes. In her own words, “I don’t like unhappy endings so I avoid them as much as possible.”
This is not an end, but a continuation of her story as she is remembered and celebrated by all who knew her. Join us in keeping Stevie’s spirit alight: share your memories, use her many expressions (on financial independence: money is minted freedom; on disagreements: let’s not cross swords; on weakness: don’t have limp wrists; on drinking too much: they were in the cups; on ne’er-do-well men: beware the bounders), always order an extra side of aioli, never pass up a glass of chilled white wine when it’s offered, and above all, be nice and keep curious.
A Celebration of Life for Stevie and Billy will be held at the Castro House on Sunday, October 1st from 1:00-5:00 pm at 957 Maple Avenue, Carpinteria, California. We will have a Taco Cart and drinks to share. Our family looks forward to celebrating our wonderful memories with you all.