Betty Joyce Wieland Schmitt, 87 years young, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 18th. Daughter to Carl and Clara Eulenfeld Wieland, She was born in Hutto, Texas on February 6, 1936. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Rodger Schmitt, children B. Carol Glenn McLean (Gary), Patricia Glenn Foster (Tom), Tracy Werdenberg (William), Tamara Schmitt (Wayne), sisters Judy Pfeil (Stanley) and Pamela Hebbe (Lloyd). She is preceded in death by her mother Clara (d. 2006), father Carl (d. 1984), sister Carol Ann (d. 1956), brother Roland (d. 2008), daughter Bunny (d. 2019). Betty was a cherished Nana to 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Betty graduated as Valedictorian of her class at Pflugerville High School in 1954 and earned her degree from Pace University in 1976 while employed at IBM, graduating with honors.
As a youth, Betty was very active in the 4-H Club and FHA winning many competitions. For several years, she raised and showed steers in the Travis County Livestock Show. In 1951 Betty won Reserve Grand Champion and landed a front cover feature of the then popular “Farm and Ranch Magazine.” Betty entered the work force with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1956. She began her career with IBM when the plant opened in Austin in 1967 and retired after 26 years. IBM was such a big part of her life and she was forever grateful for the experiences IBM provided her. While at IBM she achieved many personal and professional milestones including graduation from Pace University which she was so proud of.
While Betty’s career advancement was a central part of her life, her family was always most important. Raising her daughters occupied every facet of her life. Betty was authentic, realistic, honest, sensible, loyal, friendly, trusted. Betty was never at a loss for words and would be the first to play devils’ advocate for your life choices and decisions – just to help you be sure that you were sure! Betty loved animals, especially her pets and neighborhood wanderers that she kept fed just outside her kitchen window. It was always a delight for her to see them hanging out in her yard. She loved her home and stayed busy futzing around inside and going outside to tidy things up in the yard. If you were ever fortunate enough to eat her home cooked meals, you know well that Betty was also a fabulous cook. And, no food ever went to waste – she was a professional at repurposing leftovers into new, never before seen and often unrepeatable main course dishes.
What meant the most to Betty was spending time with family. She especially loved playing 42, Spades and Bunco with close friends. Betty attended her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports activities, band concerts, dance and piano recitals, talent shows and so much more. This lady, this Nana, never skipped a beat and made sure that each of her grands were known and loved by her and Papap. Showing her unconditional love was second nature to Betty.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Visitation will be Tuesday November 28 at 1 p.m., with funeral service at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Cook Walden Cemetery, Pflugerville Texas and reception afterwards at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions for Betty can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Austin Humane Society or the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for Betty's family.
