Betty A. Schmidt

Betty Ann Schmidt, 95, passed away on July 4, 2025 at Kidron Bethel in North Newton, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy & Nettie Enns, husband Robert W. Schmidt, brother Myron (Sonny) Enns and son Kenneth Schmidt.

Betty was born on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1929 in Newton, KS, the 2nd child to Rudy & Nettie Enns. She had an older brother and two younger sisters. Growing up in Newton, Betty attended public school and graduated from Newton High School. As a young member of the Bethel College Mennonite Church, she was baptized in 1943 which, at the time worshipped in the Administration Building's chapel on the Bethel College Campus. She bicycled with friends to church where she attended Christian Endeavor, Minnie Beth's girls' activities and choir. After high school, Betty attended Bethel College, where she received a degree in Home Economics & Education. While at Bethel, pursuing her love for music, she sang in a choral group which toured Europe one year, expanding her view of the world and establishing great friendships. She also met her future husband, Robert Schmidt at Bethel. She married Robert in 1953 and they began their journey together, living in Oklahoma and Iowa, before returning to Newton in 1961 for Bob's professorship at Bethel College. Betty put her college degree to good use and began managing their family in 1956 with the arrival of their first of four children. Years later, Betty started a successful career in food service at Newton High School, a position she held from 1973 for nearly 20 years. During and even before retirement, she enjoyed church activities, attending sporting events, square dancing, reading, needlework, birdwatching, volunteer work and travelling, enjoying visiting their children and seeing new places. At BCMC, Betty served on the social committee and sang in the church choir. She has always enjoyed music; and some of her favorite scriptures are those ancient hymns & poems - the Psalms.

Betty is survived by siblings, Judith (Dale) Gaeddert and Janet (Rich Coleman) Stone, Children: Rebecca (Gary) Dick, Brian (Debra) Schmidt, Karen (Kent) Richards, Grandchildren: Jena (Cory Lauridsen) Dick, Tessa (Ryan) Matheson, Nathan (Lauren) Dick, Phillip (Jesica) Ward-Schmidt, Bradley Schmidt, Heath Parmley, Wyatt (Hannah) Parmley and Betsy (Kaavn) Taylor; Great-grandchildren, Emmett Matheson and Brody Matheson.

Gravesite Services for family and friends is scheduled for 10 am, Friday, July 11, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery, followed by gathering at Kidron Hall for fellowship.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 9 pm, Friday, July 11, 2025 at Petersen Funeral Home

A Celebration of Life is being planned, date to be determined.

Memorial donations are requested for the "Robert W Schmidt Endowed Scholarship Fund" at Bethel College or the Bethel College Mennonite Church.