Betty Lou Schulte

Betty Lou Schulte

Betty Lou Schulte, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, in Spotsylvania, Virginia, having lived a remarkable 94 years.

Born in 1930 to Frank and Mildred Stapleton of Kansas, Betty was the great-granddaughter of Gottlieb Joss, originally from Berne, Switzerland, who owned and operated Maple Grove Farm in Fairview, Kansas.

Betty graduated from Highland Park High School, where she distinguished herself as a basketball player. In 1948, she met her future husband, Robert L. Schulte, during Spanish class at Washburn University.. They married in December 1951 and shared 72 beautiful years of marriage, making their home across the country in Alabama, Kansas, Maryland, Illinois, South Dakota, and Virginia.

Known for her zest for life, Betty treasured socializing with friends and celebrating with family. She excelled as a homemaker, mother, and grandmother, while also building a career as a skilled secretary for law firms and educational institutions. Betty retired from George Mason University in 1989. She was a pioneer in her own right, teaching herself computer skills in the early years of technology and managing family finances with aptitude.

Education was a cornerstone value in Betty's life. After retirement, she and Bob volunteered as teaching assistants at their local elementary school. Together, they shared a love of dancing, traveling, and entertaining. Betty also had an interest in history. She watched the news on a daily basis and had a penchant for politics.

Betty was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bob in September 2024. She is survived by her brothers Ed and Frank Stapleton of Denver, Colorado; her daughter, Nancy Jackson (Edward) of Spotsylvania, Virginia; her son, Bruce Schulte (Sofia) of Blacksburg, Virginia; and her nephew Alan Schulte (Pat) and their families of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Betty also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth Morales Chamberlin (Marco), James Chamberlin, Elodie Schulte, Delia Schulte, John Schulte, Hannah Schulte, and Robert Luis Schulte.

A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be held at Teague Funeral Service in Charlottesville on March 14th at 11:00 am. She will be interred at Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper, Virginia. Tribute donations may be made either to the Alzheimer's Association, or the SPCA.