Betty Lou Shullenberger

BETTY LOU SHULLENBERGER Aug. 28, 1918~Sept. 5, 2009 Betty Lou (Fraling) Shullenberger died at home surrounded by her family on September 5, 2009. She was born in Kokomo, Indiana on August 28, 1918, the daughter of Jordan J. and Jessie Bell (Burkit) Fraling. Betty Lou graduated in 1939 from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where she attended the School of Journalism. It was in Bloomington that she met Charles C. "Shully" Shullenberger, who was in medical school at the time. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1942. Betty Lou taught high school English before moving to Rochester, Minnesota, where Shully completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic. In Rochester, she worked for the Jewel Tea Company and as a newspaper reporter---activities she loved and remembered with great fondness all her life. The Shullenbergers moved to Houston in 1949, and Betty Lou began her service as a committed volunteer. She was a vital force in the Harris County Medical Society Auxiliary for almost 50 years. Her first job was selling advertising for the pictorial roster; later she coordinated its publication and went on to serve in nearly every position in the Auxiliary until finally she was persuaded to serve as president in 1982-83. She also was active in the Texas Medical Association Auxiliary and served one year as state convention chairman. In 1976, she joined the Blue Bird Circle, a women's volunteer organization devoted to providing health care to children with neurological disorders. Betty Lou was a faithful member of this group for nearly 20 years and volunteered as a cashier at the Blue Bird Shop for much of that time. Friends and family remember her hard work, tireless spirit of giving to others, keen sense of humor and sharp wit. Having touched the lives of so many, she will be sorely missed. Betty Lou was preceded in death last year by the light of her life, her beloved Shully. We rejoice that they are now together again. She is survived by their children and their families: Jan Arthur Shullenberger; Alan Shullenberger, his wife Denise, and their children Monte and Leah; and Ann Saye, her husband Jim, and their children Mary Katherine and Matthew. The family extends its most sincere gratitude to the caregivers who worked around the clock with such dedication and love for the last four years to care for the Shullenbergers and who made it possible for both Shully and Betty Lou to remain in their own home. Special thanks to Rosalie Williams, Faye Bazile, Rasheedah Francisco, RoseMarie Swaby and Lana Girdy. We are deeply indebted to Dr. Sarah Selleck of Baylor Geriatrics for her unfailing concern, thoughtful care and skillful professionalism. Thanks also to Eileen Shult and Gwen Neal and to caregivers Jimmie Brown, Teresa Arana and Allene Steward. A memorial service celebrating Betty Lou's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, 4900 Jackwood, Houston, Texas 77096, with the Rev. Christopher A. Bowhay and the Rev. William H. Heard officiating. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Bird Circle, 615 West Alabama, Houston, Texas 77006-5003.