Betty attended Davenport schools while growing up. In 1948 she was united in marriage to Richard Schaffer. To this union 3 children were born, Sue, Joel and Lianne. Betty later married Eugene Burlingame in 1974. She was employed and retired from Sears Roebuck after many years.
Betty enjoyed needlework, reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards, games, and being a library volunteer. She was one of the original members of the Hepcat Sub-Deb Club, which started in 1943 and participated in many volunteer efforts for WWII. Betty was a mentor-tutor to Cambodian refugees. THAN Pech and her family, of Cambodia, became extended family and stayed connected throughout the years. Through that experience she later traveled with them to Cambodia. In addition to her trip to Cambodia, Betty traveled extensively throughout the U.S. as well as many other countries. She documented each trip in detailed journals.
Survivors include her children, Sue (Pete) Williams of Taylor Ridge, IL, and Lianne (Jeff) Levetzow of Alva, OK; stepchildren, Pat Holgorsen of Pearland, TX, Kathy (Dan) Medina of Moline, IL, Brian (Cindy) Burlingame of Dexter, MO, and Ty Burlingame of Dexter, MO; along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Joel Schaffer; husband, Eugene “Burly” Burlingame; and beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Evans.
Per Betty’s wishes she will be cremated with no funeral service. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 30, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
