Betty Louise Schlagel

Betty was born to John and Christina (Ross) Spomer on September 19, 1925, in Milliken, Colorado. Betty’s parents were German immigrants from Russia who chose to raise their family on a farm in Johnston, Colorado. Betty graduated from Johnstown (Roosevelt) High School in 1944. After high school she attended The University of Northern Colorado where she received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Education in June 1949.

Betty’s desire to be a schoolteacher was inspired by her elementary teacher Miss Kettle. After graduation, this dream became reality when she signed her first teacher contract to teach at Niwot Consolidate School in 1949. While teaching at Niwot she coached baseball and track. A few years later she transferred to Columbine Elementary in Longmont.

In August 1952, Betty married Harry Schlagel in Raton, New Mexico. After marrying, Harry and Betty lived and farmed in the Longmont area. Betty continued to pursue her teaching career while helping on the farm in the summer and raising their four sons. In 1970 she quit full-time teaching but continued substitute teaching for another 20 years, finally retiring in 1990.

Betty’s love of teaching extended beyond the public school system as she spent numerous hours preparing lessons and teaching Sunday School. She was an active member of the Christ Congregation Church and Longs Peak United Methodist Church. Besides teaching Sunday School, she also spent much of her life active in various other organizations and activities in the church, which included women’s fellowship and stewardship committees. Additionally, she led many fundraising activities including the famous Cabbage Burger sales back in the 70’s which managed to get her featured on Channel 4 news at the time.

Despite all her time spent teaching and volunteering she managed to raise four boys on the farm. She tirelessly cared for her family, never expecting anything in return. Anyone that knew Betty quickly realized how incredibly proud she was of her four boys. Later in life, when Betty became a grandmother, she was always willing to help with her grandkids who have fond memories of spending time with her, especially on the farm.

Throughout their 65 years of marriage, Betty and Harry were able to travel to different countries and visit many historical sites throughout the United States and abroad. Betty was always eager to share stories of their travels.

Betty is survived by her four sons: John (Joan); Paul (Vicki); Keith (Sue); and Bruce. Betty has seven grandchildren: Scott (Kayla) Schlagel; Kristyn (Kris) Olson; Sarah Nassif; Amy (Dusty) Bakker; Brad (Emilee) Schlagel; Anna and Cate Schlagel. Betty is survived by 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents John and Christina, her brothers Arthor and John Ray, her sisters Marian and Irene along with her husband Harry and daughter in-law Jennifer.

A memorial service will be held in Betty’s honor on April 29th at 10:30 AM at Longs Peak United Methodist Church in Longmont. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate on Betty’s behalf to the TLC Learning Center of Longmont (https://www.learningwithtlc.org/), or “The Imagine Project” (https://theimagineproject.org/).