Betty Anne Schauer

Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Vincent Schauer. Betty Anne was a devoted daughter, a loving and steadfast wife, a kind friend, and a dedicated and caring mother, taking joy in, encouraging and supporting her children. She welcomed friends, family and strangers to her home and table. She was quick with kind words and gratitude, and had a strong and unwaveringly positive spirit.

Betty Anne West was born in Converse, South Carolina on April 20, 1931 to Janie Reid and John Hunter West, bringing them great delight. Growing up she spent time in the country with beloved cousins, extended family and friends. As a student, she earned top marks in all subjects, graduating in 1948 with high honors from Spartanburg High School. She earned a full scholarship to Converse College, where she was a member of the President’s Board and served in numerous leadership positions. She achieved distinction as a member and President of Gamma Sigma, an academic honor society. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1952, and was one of the very top members of her graduating class. Betty Anne then worked as a chemist for Union Carbide in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. There she met and fell in love with John “Jack” Vincent Schauer, whom she married in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1954. Betty Anne and Jack were married for 62 years and were a beautiful and loving example to their four children, John, Jay, Betsy, and Tom. Their life together brought them much joy and many adventures, including living in Maryland, California, New York, the Netherlands, Illinois, California, Texas and Oregon.

Betty Anne’s creative, artistic, and musical talents filled the lives of her family, friends and those served through ministries with beauty and joy. Her bright soprano voice and graceful piano playing filled her homes with joyful music. Raised in the Presbyterian church, Betty Anne sang as a soloist and in church choirs throughout her life, and also held leadership roles, taught Sunday school and was one of the first women to serve as Deacon and Elder in her denomination, at Northwoods Presbyterian Church in Houston. She was generous in her support of numerous charitable organizations and efforts. In addition to her church activities, Betty Anne performed in numerous musical productions and sang in the Houston Symphony Chorus, with which she toured to Europe and Mexico City. Betty Anne’s artwork and crafts beautified her homes and those of her children’s families. Her drawings and paintings captured precious memories of the many places she lived and traveled. She created treasured clothing, heirloom quilts, cozy afghans, cross stitch artwork, woodwork, cherished childhood toys and costumes, and inspiring church banners. She also enjoyed the companionship of her friends in the two quilting groups she was part of as well as in her church and choir families.

Betty Anne’s wit, warm smile, laughter, kind heart, gentle ways and creative spirit will be missed by all of her family, friends, and caregivers. She leaves a legacy of love for her living family: her four children; daughters-in-law Karen and Amy; son-in-law Brent; grandchildren Paul, Karl, Ben, Liam, and Harper; granddaughters-in-law Emma and Steffi; and great-grandchildren Matias and Hannah.

Betty Anne’s Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Oregon. The service will be recorded. Friends unable to attend in person may contact a family member for a link. Those wishing to make a contribution in her memory are encouraged to give to a charity of their choice to support food security or hunger relief.