Obituary: Carol Schendel
Author: Jerry and Carol Dullum
Betty Schendel Jerry and Carol Dullum December 7, 1937 – January 24, 2023
Betty Jean Schendel, a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 24, 2023. Betty was born in Miller, South Dakota on December 7, 1937, to Jacob & Elizabeth (Myers) Bertsch. Betty spent time on the family farm, learning to drive by using a tractor. She could recite the multiplication times easily when she was in school.
While visiting a relative in Montana in the summer of 1957 she met a handsome young man and that was her soulmate, Don Schendel. They were instantly smitten and Bets (as dad called her) said they would marry in December and got married on December 29, 1957. They just missed being married for 64 years. Don passed away on December 19, 2021.
Betty and Don were the proud parents of Alan, Betty May, Cheryl, and Carol. Mom would take care of the kids while dad worked in the mountains. She would pack the kids up after school was out and spend the summer with Don camping out. She enjoyed having picnics and rides in the mountains with the family. Mom loved to read and often would take the 4 kids to the library. When we were young she would load us in the wagon and off we would go downtown. She instilled a love of books and reading in her children. Mom also got her children involved in writing penpals and had written to one pen pal for 50 years. Nobody was probably more excited to get personal mail than mom.
Mom was very social and could easily strike up a conversation with a stranger. By the end of the talk, she knew where that person was from and how many children they had. Mom loved to play cards, and board games, bingo was a favorite game to participate in. She also had a couple of game shows which were her favorites. Wherever she went she was loved by all because of her sweet personality. She had a great memory of birthdates and family history. She loved to travel to visit family in South Dakota, especially for the annual Bertsch Cousin Reunion.
Betty is survived by a son, Alan, of Townsend and daughters Betty May (Roy) Soles of Clinton, Arkansas, Cheryl Kelly of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Carol (Jerry) Dullum of Helena; sisters Dona (Del) Chaney of Kansas City, Missouri and Marles (Phil) Reynolds of Bend, Oregon. Betty is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Preceding Betty in death is her husband, parents, and grandson Darrel Dullum.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in the spring. Donations can be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
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PhotoCredit: Jerry and Carol Dullum
Image 1 Caption: Betty Schendel
