Betty Jane Stamm peacefully passed away in the early morning of Friday, February 2, 2024. She was born December 18, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Harry Fredrick and Flora Cecil (nee Burgess) Erb.
She is preceded in death by her dear son, David Harry, and her beloved husband, Albert George Jr.; her great-nephew Kelly Cole Jones, her close sister-in-law Lucille Stamm, and her brother-in-law Bill Stamm, as well as many treasured relatives.
Betty and Al raised their two children, David Harry and Christine Lynn in Arnold, on the land where Al was grown and raised. Before Al’s death in 2002, they were happily married for over 50 years. They had supportive family close in Al’s parents, and brother and wife, and Betty’s mother, Flora, who lived with them. Betty and Al enjoyed travelling and sightseeing, especially their yearly trip to Florida, a trip to Hawaii, and their once in a lifetime cruise to Alaska. Betty had meaningful relationships with friends dating back to school at Blow Elementary, and continued those relationships with frequent outings, trips, and lunches. As she was an only child, her cousins were a great source of companionship to her growing up. Betty and the cousins, Dee and Gloria, remained close throughout their later years, still talking on the phone to catch up.
Betty Jane worked her first job at the St. Louis County Library, where her love of reading and quiet nature were nurtured. After marrying Al, and moving to Arnold, she began her career as an Administrative Secretary at the Administration Building of the Fox C-6 School District. This is where she ended her career, after decades of service.
Betty’s legacy continues through her surviving loved ones, including her daughter Christine Marler (Michael); her granddaughter Becky Pemberton (Josh), and her grandson Joe Marler (Jamie). She exuded so much pride in all four of her great-granddaughters, Evie Jane, Lola Jean, and Penelope Marie of Becky and Josh, and Ava Christine of Joe and Jamie. She also enjoyed life with nephew Chuck Stamm (Mary) and niece Debbie Jones (Henry) and their daughter Carrie Stewart (Jason) and family.
Betty was not just a great-grandmother, far removed from her grandchildren’s daily lives. As she was able, she was down on the floor playing with them, crocheting their baby blankets, and attending their activities. She truly enjoyed being close to the great-grandchildren; watching their energy and hearing their giggles. As the shortest in the family, she was the designated measuring stick to which we all compared our height as we grew. She was the absolute best back scratcher and cannot be replaced in that role.
To know Betty Jane was to know a quiet soul. She didn’t like a fuss, she didn’t like big crowds, and she wasn’t extravagant. She was talented at counted cross-stitch, crochet, and making Christmas cookies. Throughout her life she was an avid reader, making friends with all of the librarians. Betty loved watching the many species of birds that visited the feeders out the kitchen window. She loved a good NCIS, Blue Bloods, or Chicago marathon on television.
And, she was tiny but mighty.
As we say goodbye to Betty Jane, please remember all the ways she enriched our lives with a smile, and little wave, or a crocheted washcloth. She will live on through the lives of those she loved.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, February 9 from 10am until noon, at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold Missouri 63010. Betty Jane's Memorial Service will begin at noon.
Please leave a favorite memory of Betty Jane for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.
