1923
2018
Elizabeth Reinhardt Schmidt
Louisville - Elizabeth Reinhardt Schmidt
Betty was born more than 95 years ago in Clifton Forge, Va. an only child and the 1st C-Section delivery in the local hospital (March 31, 1923)! Her dad owned one of the town's two pharmacies, and after graduating from high school in 1940, she attended Mary Washington College, an all girl's school at the time. Following college, she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Kentucky. It was there that she met a handsome young undergrad, who had just returned from the War, Edward Reinhardt, Jr. Soon after his graduation, they were married, and in 1950 moved into their newly built home in the Highlands. It was in that home that their three sons grew up, Randy, Dana, and Greg. The home was always full of fun and laughter, hosting numerous parties and other social occasions. It was there, too, that Ed passed away, July 3, 1967 after a long battle with cancer.
Betty, now a widow, went back to work as a school teacher at Iroquois High School, and she later completed the masters that she had begun years before, finishing at the University of Louisville. None of her "three boys" (as she was fond of calling them) ever thought that she would remarry. However, almost 22 years ago, she joined her life with a reacquainted old friend, a widower, named Edwin Schmidt. And, they were married in that same home in the Highlands by one of her sons, who is a pastor!
Betty was full of life! She always had an encouraging word for whomever she met. She was devoted to her three sons and loved their spouses and children (all now adults). She had an amazing gift of listening with a hearing heart to your problems and concerns and dispensing remarkably wise advice. She kept up with the sports world, often knowing the results of a football or basketball game, before her family did! Betty, also loved to play cards and showed "no pity" on her sons or grandchildren, always playing to win! I think that everyone who knew her would agree that in the "game of life," she indeed was a winner!
Betty was also a spiritual woman, who had a deep and abiding love for the Lord. She had been a member of Southeast Christian Church since its infancy in a small brick building on Hikes Lane. When she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, less than a month ago, she said that she would not leave this world until God was ready to take her home! Her homecoming came sooner than her family expected; however, she left peacefully, Tuesday afternoon, June 12, surrounded by family.
Betty is survived by her husband, Ed Schmidt, her three sons: Randy Reinhardt (Linda), Dana Reinhardt (Susan, deceased, 2015), Greg Reinhardt (Luly), her nine grandchildren: Eric Reinhardt (Andrea), Michelle Crouch (Jeremy), Amy, Joy Strom (Justin), Kyle, Amanda Clark (Jeremy), Erin Wiegle (Kurt), Dana, Jr., Libby Ellington (Hunter), and nine great grandchildren. Saturday was her last lucid day, and what a delight to join her in cheering on her horse, Justify, in winning the Triple Crown! Just like her horse, she has finished her race and is now receiving her reward, the gift of eternal life!
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 16, at Pearson's 149 Breckenridge Lane with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation is 4-8 PM Friday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the KIDS Center for Pediatric Therapies.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Just saw this obituary and wanted to send my condolences. She was a very wonderful woman who welcomed me into her and Ed's home with a familiarity that I'd rarely seen. Her kindness was undeniable. So grateful to have known her. God bless you guys.
Clay
Other
October 16, 2021
I was a student of hers at Iroquois back in 1974. Rest in peace Ms. Reinhardt. You touched the lives of many and we thank you
Linda Dobson
August 14, 2018
Mrs. Schmidt help me get into Pikeville College in 1970.
Scrapy Louis Barnes
August 4, 2018
What rejoicing must be going on in Heaven.
Terri Mossbarger
June 16, 2018
Was one of my favorite teachers at iroquois over 30 years ago..will always have a special spot in my heart..
Darlene Mcmillin
June 16, 2018
Hugs
June 14, 2018
My mind is sad to see you go but my heart is rejoicing with your final destination. You were a kind and generous soul that touched so many lives. From homeroom to accounting you shared your love. Thank you for helping shape me into the person I am today. May God bless you and keep you in his grace.
June 14, 2018
I am so sad to hear this. She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. I had her as a teacher and she made a deep and lasting impression. Comforting prayers to her family and friends. God bless you all. Traci Proffitt
Traci Proffitt
June 14, 2018
To Ed, Randy, Dana and Gregory and, of course, the rest of family. I am just at a loss to hear this news. I was looking forward to seeing Bettye and Ed this summer when we met for lunch. I taught with Bettye for over 26 years at Iroquois High School and were we partners in crime.
I send my sincerest condolences to the family. Bettye was the type of friend that I spoke often about but did not see as much. We shared so many family memories. She will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.
Ilah Grant
June 14, 2018
I loved this woman, who was my teacher at Iroquois High School! She was amazing. She taught me all I needed to know about shorthand and accounting. I hold her dear to my heart and will always will. Talk about making a difference in someones life. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that she was loved by so many. Happy to know she lived a great, long life.
Laura Brochu
June 14, 2018
Was a nice woman.. I was one of her Iroquois high school students .. ❤❤
Mona Wickliffe
June 14, 2018
One of the best teachers ever! Prayers...
Angie Young
June 14, 2018
"Aunt" Betty" was indeed an amazing lady! She had a heart of gold and a chuckle that would soften the hardest heart. Though mom's best friend, she later became a dear friend to me. Listening and giving advice where mom could no longer dispense wisdom. No one loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren more. She had her "boys" and we were known as "Pat's girls". What a great friendship that will be cherished forever. May God Bless you all - Randy, Dana, Greg and families. Thanks for sharing your mom.
Debbie Krause
June 14, 2018
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