Betty Schumann Koch

Betty Koch, Age 97, Died on November 28, 2017 of natural causes after a long and fruitful life. She was born in Western Springs, Illinois to Carl Schumann and Lora Hall Schumann on December 12, 1919. When Betty was 17 years old her family was in a severe auto accident which only she and her sister Helen survived. She attended Carlton College and graduated from the University of Michigan and had a Masters Degree from Columbia University. In 1943 she married Henry Charles Koch in Mineral Wells, Texas. Betty and Henry were happily married for 60 years before Henry passed away. While her husband served in the US Army during World War II Betty worked in New York City as a Librarian. After the war Betty and Henry traveled throughout Europe for several years. Upon returning to the United States they started a family and lived in Baltimore, Maryland, Utica, New York and Cleveland, Ohio before settling in East Lansing, Michigan. Betty was a lifelong champion of feminist and civil rights and always let her feelings be known. She was an active member of The League of Women Voters and was involved with the Okemos Public Schools and served as Cub Scout Den Mother. Betty had the good fortune to maintain her physical and intellectual vigor until very near the end of her long life. The week before her 96th birthday she drove herself to the DMV to renew her driver's license. She was amused to note that she would not have to renew it again until she turned 100. Her greatest joys in life were her family, her friends and the world of music, literature and gardening. During her life she often traveled to Europe and the Mediterranean. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved sister Helen Schumann Heinzelman. She is survived by her son, Henry Charles (East Lansing), son, Thomas Carl and his wife, Pamela (Harbor Springs) and their son, Henry Grant (Williamston) and her cousin, Nick Osmer and his wife, Jane (Diablo,Ca). The family wishes to thank the kind staff of Burcham Hills Retirement Center where she spent the last year of her life. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing, Michigan 48823.