Bettie Marie Schultz

Bettie Schultz was a remarkable woman, who led a remarkable life, a life full of love, faith and family. She was such a vibrant woman, so compassionate, supportive and loving, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to so many. Most of all, Bettie was a woman who treated each of her many days as a gift, a gift she so graciously shared with us all. Bettie's story began on a cool spring day in 1923, in the lakeside city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as we boasted a growing economy, women's right to vote, and relative peacetime. On March 14, 1923, Clarence and Alvina (Peterson) Beattie celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Bettie Marie. Bettie was an only child in the family's home, which thanks to her father's many vocations, resided in many different places during her youth. Her dad was a store owner and salesman, and his ever-changing jobs required them to move often. Her mother lovingly cared for her and their home, imparting so many wonderful skills to Bettie, like the Swedish Christmas tradition of making potato sausage, a tradition Bettie's family continues today. Bettie's closest friends growing up were two of her cousins, Dorothy and Virginia, and they were all born a month apart, giving them so much in common. Eventually, she graduated from Muskegon High School. When Bettie was a young woman, she met a handsome young man named Bob Schultz, and the two began dating. Whenever Bob would come to her house, her mother would answer the door saying, "Bettie, the guy with the white socks is here!" Bettie soon fell in love with Bob, white socks and all, and the two were married on September 5, 1941, beginning a wonderful life together. Bob was in the U.S. Navy, and as the dark skies of World War II thundered in the distance, the newlyweds soon found themselves separated. When Bob returned from the war, the couple built a home together in Muskegon, a home that would mean so much to them, where Bettie lived for 57 years, the rest of her days. Bettie and Bob were also blessed with a wonderful family, celebrating the birth of four beautiful children, Carol in 1942, Robbin, in 1953, Bob in 1956, and Dick, born in 1957. Bettie was an amazing wife and mother, who devoted her life to caring for her husband and children. She was very involved in Parent-Teacher organizations, the Girl Scouts, and many church-sponsored activities at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. The tight-knit Schultz clan did everything together, from camping, swimming (Bettie always wore a rubber swim cap to keep her hair dry), and vacations, to so many wonderful family traditions like Sunday's "Malt Night." Bettie had a way of making every family gathering so special, though, and she adored celebrating everyone's birthday, complete with cake and ice cream (just save her a middle piece, though, without all that extra frosting!). She also loved holidays, from passing out candy on Halloween (she even kept a detailed journal of the number of trick-or-treaters each year), to of course, Christmastime. Christmas was especially wonderful in her home, from the mountains of cookies she baked (and hid from the kids until the big day), to the elaborate decorations she lavished on her beautiful home. For many years, the family also went camping up north on Labor Day weekend, where they would participate in walking across the "Mighty Mac" bridge and enjoy Bettie's trademark cabbage salad! When she could no longer participate in the trip, she made sure she sent her salad in her stead! Bettie was just that way, though, always thinking of others, always keeping with tradition. She was also a very hardworking woman, who was employed as a finisher for more than 20 years at Howmet in Muskegon, before retiring in 1988. She loved working there, and was active in the Howmet retirees' group for many years afterward. Of course, Bettie was active in so many circles over the years. She was an outspoken and active Democratic Party member, the Clock Funeral Home grieving group, and her church, as well. Bettie loved God deeply, and was devoted to serving the Lord every day of her life. She prepared the Holy Communion for Sunday services, as part of the Altar Guild, as well as many other church activities such as the Chimes monthly newsletter. Most of all, she loved her family, and spending time with them was always most important to her (including her dogs, Toy and Freckles, too!). Bettie was a doting Grandma and Great-Grandma, and any day she spent with the kids was a good one for her. She even took her children and grandchildren on week-long cruises with her, part of her many travels. After they retired, Bettie and her beloved Bob traveled extensively, and visited all 50 states over the years, most of them in their motor home they logged countless miles on. Bettie even helped with the driving! Bettie and Bob shared a marriage that was more than special, though. They renewed their vows for their 45th anniversary, followed by a huge party complete with friends, family, and good food and drink, too. Bettie was a woman beloved by one and all, a woman who never said a cross word about anyone. She was famous for her colorful sneakers, which she color-coordinated with her socks and outfits. She was also famous for being honest, and earnest, and when she told you she loved you, you knew how much she meant it, and how much she appreciated you. Bettie truly appreciated the life she lived. Whenever she went on her trips, she'd leave colorful messages on her answering machine. "Yesterday is history," one memorable message began, "and tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." Bettie was such an amazing woman, who led an amazing life. Sadly, she died December 23, 2006, with her loving family surrounding her. She was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a friend to so many. Today is a gift, she used to say. Bettie was a gift, as well, a gift we will love and cherish and remember forever. She will be so greatly missed. Surviving are: 2 sons, Robert (Sally) Schultz of Grand Rapids, Richard Schultz of Hoffman Estates, IL; 1 daughter, Robbin (Jerry) Dibble of Muskegon; 8 grandchildren, Jayson, Ryan & Jessica Dibble, Jeff & Brian Laird, Melissa & Nick Schultz, Andy Schultz; 6 great grandchildren, Matt Laird, Kyle & Dustin Laird, Taylor, Emma & Maxwell Dibble. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; 1 daughter, Carol (Laird) Postmus. Services are Wednesday, December 27, 2006, 11 AM, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM, at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Hackley VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.