Betty Schmoll

SCHMOLL

Betty Lee Schmoll 4/13/1936 ~ 11/09/2015, Betty passed away at the age of 79 in San Diego, CA. She was born in Cincinnati, OH, to Bertha and Ezekiel Begley. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Walter C. Schmoll, her sister Barbara, and brother Jerry. She is survived by children Karen, W. John, Sue Geus, Robert, and Linda Morris (Michael); eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and her brother, Robert Begley. Betty spent most of her adult life in Kettering, OH. While raising five children, she began her career as a Registered Nurse. Her education included a Nursing Diploma from Kettering College of Medical Arts (1970), a B.S. from Wright State University School of Nursing (1975), a M.S. from The Ohio State University School of Nursing (1978), and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Dayton (1998). Her personal journey of providing end-of-life care to her terminally ill mother opened her eyes to the challenges of caring for loved ones at their most vulnerable time of life. This knowledge planted the seeds for her Master's project at Ohio State. The project grew into a passion that resulted in the Hospice of Dayton, which she helped found in 1978 and then led as its first president and CEO. Her dedication, vision, and community engagement developed this not-for-profit hospice into a key provider of end-of-life care in the area, as well as a model for other communities looking to set up their own hospice organizations. Betty was also very active in the national hospice movement. An avid reader, she was rarely seen without a book near to hand. She loved hiking, wildflowers, and bird watching. During her final years, she spent the winter months in Hawaii with her husband, visiting their daughter and enjoying whale watching, rainbows, and chocolate haupia cream pie. The family held a private viewing in California, which was followed by her cremation. A memorial service is planned for a later date in the Dayton, OH, area. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Oh 45420.