Elizabeth Kathleen "Frye" Shingledecker

Elizabeth "Betty" Kathleen Shingledecker was born March 15, 1948, in Staunton, Virginia, to parents Veronica Elizabeth Linnane Frye and Raymond Caesar Frye.

Betty was an overcomer. She was born with numerous health complications. She was nearly deaf in one ear and had greatly diminished hearing in the other. A family friend, Roman Catholic Archbishop Hodges, advocated at the local Catholic hospital for Betty to receive experimental ear surgeries. This allowed Betty to have 75% hearing in both ears. She also needed uvula (the dangly thing in the throat) surgery to allow her to speak. She underwent years of speech therapy in her childhood, and never stopped talking after that.

Betty's father left her mother, and she had to spend several years in an orphanage and foster care, because her mother could not support her and care for her on her own. Betty spoke fondly of her foster mother, "Bing Momma," who cared for Betty until the woman was too old. Betty returned to the orphanage until her mother was able to care for her, and together they moved to Ohio.

Betty's mom died of a brain hemorrhage when Betty was 14-years-old. Her aunt Marie cared for her the remainder of her teenage years.

Betty graduated from Julienne High School, Dayton, OH, in 1967. She worked at Sears, where she especially enjoyed the gift-wrapping department during the Christmas season. Later, she became a bartender at "Pappy Wink's bar" in Vandalia, OH. One night, with a nightstick in hand, she bounced an unruly patron out of the bar.

It was at Pappy Wink's where she met Jerry Shingledecker, who worked at the General Motors plant next door. Six months later, on March 18, 1972, the couple was united in marriage at Grace Brethren Church in Vandalia, OH.

Betty was introduced to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northeastern MN on the Canadian border during her and Jerry's honeymoon, and this became a regular destination and home for them later in life.

Betty worked at a local flower shop early in their marriage until she became the caretaker of her aunt Marie, who eventually died of lung cancer.

Betty gave birth to one son, Charles (Chuck) Patrick Shingledecker, on March 13th, 1976.

In 1982, Betty volunteered to become the primary caregiver for her mother-in-law, Helen, who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. She cared for Helen for 8 years, while Jerry worked third shift at the GM plant to support the family.

Betty loved spending time with her family and friends and traveling. She, and her best friend of 40 years, Sue Whitman took an annual girls' trip to King's Island amusement park, where they would ride the classic wooden roller coasters "The Racer" and "The Beast".

Betty became a mother figure to the neighborhood children and was especially known for her chocolate chip cookies. Betty took her son and his friends to the Hara Arena for the professional wrestling matches, where she was as enthusiastic over the matches as the kids were!

As a full-time mom, homemaker, and wife, Betty was always busy but ready for fun. Family vacations included an annual visit to Sea World of Ohio, fishing trips in northern Wisconsin, and canoe trips into the Boundary Waters, where she would paddle and portage. In the late-80s to mid-90s, Betty enjoyed going to country music concerts with her friends and son. She even camped out for tickets to her favorite artists.

In 1998, Betty, Jerry, and Chuck moved "Up North." They lived in Ely, MN, Grand Marais, MN, and eventually settled in Solon Springs, WI, where she spent the last 24 years of her life.

Betty and Jerry became very close with the Lottig family, Duane, Margot, and their sons. They spent many holidays together and created lasting memories. Betty kept in touch with her friends from Ohio as well. She was a mega-extrovert, making friends wherever she was. She loved people and was well known in every community in which she lived.

Betty was on the Solon Springs 4th of July planning committee and was the "official baker" for the fireworks crew. She was a lifelong, voracious reader, averaging five to seven books per week. Over the course of her life, she read at least ten thousand books.

Betty's health declined significantly over the last eight years of her life. She had brain surgery in 2018 to repair two aneurysms, shoulder surgery, and multiple non-invasive treatments for hip and joint pain, as well as COPD. In 2024, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and she was plagued with congestive heart failure. Jerry was her faithful and doting caretaker during her final years. Even though her body diminished in health, she remained feisty and sassy.

Betty was especially proud to see her son graduate from seminary and be ordained into the ministry. Despite many hospitalizations, she was determined to attend her son's marriage to Sara in 2023 at the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marias, MN, which she accomplished.

After 77 years of living, loving, and making her intentions known, Betty went home to be with the Creator on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

She is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Jerry Shingledecker of Solon Springs, WI, her son Chuck (Sara) Shingledecker of Balaton, MN, her non-biological family, Duane and Margot Lottig of Soldiers Grove, WI, and many friends and acquaintances.

May her laugh and zest for life live eternally in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved her. If you're considering donating somewhere in Betty's name, she would want you to consider contributing to your local public library. May her memory be eternal.

A funeral, celebrating Betty's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Solon Springs, WI with Pastor Chuck Shingledecker, Pastor Sara Shingledecker and Pastor Jason Clifton-Meller officiating. A time for gathering will be held at the church one hour prior to the service and immediately after the service with a lunch.