Betty Lou Schmitt

Betty’s life tapestry began unfolding on a crisp autumn day, October 30th, 1934 in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, where she was lovingly welcomed into the world by her parents, the late Herbert Gile Sr. and Thelma Lakin King née Oldham. Betty was the example of devotion and resilience, having shared a blissful union of 64 years with her beloved husband, Phillip E. Schmitt, whose memory she now joins in the annals of eternity.

Preceding her in this journey were her siblings: Richard Gile, Beverly ‘Joyce’ Gile, Herbert Jr. ‘Buddy’ Gile, Clarence ‘Gene’ Gile, David ‘Pat’ Lakin, and Kenny Gile.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her son, Darrell D. Jordan Sr., wife Ginger L. Jordan, her daughter, Belinda M. Markovich, husband John J. Markovich and her brother, Michael Lakin, wife Susan Lakin.

Betty's legacy of love and kinship extends to her nine treasured grandchildren: Phillip Jordan (Karen), Darrell D. Jordan Jr. (Regina), Kellen Schmitt Markovich, Caleb John Markovich (Brooke), Philecia Lou Ann Hoeppner (Timothy), Savanna May Lin Hoover (Jacob), Alex D. Jordan, Matt Kaldenberg, and Kimberley Holland.

Additionally, she leaves behind a tapestry of twelve great-grandchildren, each a testament to her enduring spirit and boundless love: Kellen Zurich Schmitt Markovich II, Daisy Lin Hoover, Dawson Jacob Hoover, Dallas Lee Hoover, Fredrick John Hoeppner, Gracelyn Faye Hoeppner, Mabel May Hoeppner, Ashley Jordan, Mack Kaldenberg, Ty Zuniga, Ava Jordan, and Kayne Mensing and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A luminary of East High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Betty commenced her professional career at Nelly Dons before ascending to the role of Business Manager at St Joseph Hospital, serving with acuity and dedication.

Betty and Phillip's shared passion for exploration knew no bounds, as they traversed continents and cultures, immersing themselves in the richness of Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America. Their captivating tales of wanderlust were shared generously, enriching the lives of all who were fortunate to cross their path.

A virtuoso in her own right, Betty's creative flair manifested in many forms, from meticulously wrapped gifts adorned with intricate bows to hand-painted shirts and heirloom lace. Her artistic prowess extended to the reclamation and restoration of antique furniture, crafting garments that adorned her family with elegance and grace. Betty found solace and fulfillment tending to her garden, nurturing her botanical companions of fragrant blooms of hydrangeas, roses, peonies, to beefsteak tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.

Among her numerous passions, dancing reigned supreme, a shared joy that she and Phillip reveled in with exuberance, captivating all with their grace and rhythm.

In their twilight, Betty and Phillip found solace and fellowship in the embrace of Country Meadows Baptist Church, where their faith journey blossomed anew.

Betty Lou Schmitt's journey on this terrestrial plane was a testament to love, creativity, and unwavering faith. Though she has bid adieu to mortal coils, her Christian spirit shall forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched, a beacon of light that guides us through eternity.

Services for Betty will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Rd., Independence, Missouri 64050. Visitation at 1:00 PM and funeral service starting at 2:00 PM. A committal will follow the funeral service in Woodlawn Cemetery, 701 S. Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64050.