Margaret 'Peggy' Shultz-Beck

The family of Margaret Ann (Peggy) Shultz-Beck announce Peggy’s death on July 3, in Salt Lake City, at the age of 68 years after a difficult illness with cancer (and it wasn’t fucking fair). 

We are profoundly saddened by Peggy’s death. But, if she were still with us, she’d tell us to get over it, grab a vodka cranberry beverage, get together with loved ones, hug each other, and tell stories about her marvelous life on Earth and all the joy and laughter those who love her shared. 

Arriving in 1954 as a rambunctious, loud, playful and happy child, Peggy never changed, spending the first few years in Chicago, IL. She moved to Barrington, IL in 1957, spent most of her childhood there, tormenting her older brother and sister, driving her parents crazy, and generally having more fun than she deserved but exactly as much as she wanted. 

After Barrington high School (’71), she escaped suburbia and became a ski bunny, dental office assistant, and modern dance teacher/performer in Steamboat Springs, CO. Here, her love for and passion as a fitness instructor began and served her life until the day she died.
She met the love of her life, Douglas Beck, in Salt Lake City on July 4, 1984, 38 years ago. Wasting no time, they married on April, 28, 1985 and started their numerous adventures together, including hundreds of soccer tournaments throughout the United States.
All our love goes out to Doug, who has lost his other half, and to their sons, Jeff and Ryan. 

If you knew Peggy well, you know how joyously energetic, endlessly determined, loving, and faithful she was. She loved her family more than anything in this world and would not hesitate to tell them what to do. Her grandchildren, Aiden and Addie, say that “Grandma P. is so happy and so fun. She makes us happy too.” 

Her personal legacy lies in a life dedicated to the service of others manifest by over 50 years and 25,000 fitness classes and pilates instruction, most of it at the Sports Mall in Salt Lake. She always put the needs of her clients and friends first. Well known for sustained 30 minute water ski runs on her beloved Great Pond in Maine, Peggy stayed in superb physical condition and health until cancer took if from her. 

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents Paul J. and Mary Ann (McComb) Shultz. She is survived by her husband, Doug, her two sons, Ryan and Jeff (Stephanie) Beck, her grandchildren Aiden and Addie, her sister Lynne (Shultz) Woodman (Bob), and her brother, Steve Shultz (Cindy Hart). 

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Following Mass Peggy will be laid to rest at Elysian Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City. 

In lieu of flowers, please share your stories of Peggy with others, laugh, and hug the ones you love.