Betty Louise Schichtel

Betty Louise (Kaatz) (Meeker) Schichtel of Buckley passed away at her home January 22, 2021.
Betty was born May 27, 1927 in Richmond and raised on the family farm with her loving parents, the late William Adolf and Ernestine Louise (Woehlert) Kaatz. Farm life with her five siblings nurtured a work ethic that guided her many years. She was the last living member of her immediate family.
Betty was a 1945 graduate of Richmond High School with fond, lifelong memories of a senior Great Lakes trip. Following graduation she worked at Selfridge Air Force Base where she enjoyed the thrill of small aircraft that provided pleasure through her many years.
In 1947 Betty married Harlan Meeker of Romeo, Michigan, whose work took them across the country before returning to their home state. Their seven children grew up strong, independent, and deeply connected through many family celebrations. Over the years sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren joined the extended family, bringing loving joy to all.
Following Harlan's death in 1978 Betty wedded Edward Schichtel of Traverse City in 1985. Before Ed's death in 2015, they enjoyed caring for their gardens and acreage, several winters in Arizona and a trip to Hawaii, as well as volunteer ushering at Interlochen Center for the Arts. They made their home in Buckley.
Betty is survived by her children Rosamond (Rev. David) Ostendorf, Dona (Paul) Jester, Elizabeth (Gary) Clous, Howard (Sally) Meeker, Doree (Joe Grabowski) Cook, and Steven (Lori Lopez) Meeker, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren living across the nation. Her daughter Mary Jane (Richard) Caster preceded her in death in 2019.
Betty enjoyed working at Grand Traverse Resort and many other jobs throughout her life. She especially loved her many years with Dr. Hanley at Cedar Run Eye Center, where she helped with patient care and made friends with many patients, thanks to her wonderful ability to listen. She worked at the Center till she was 90 years old, and shortly thereafter returned to the air in a two-seater flight over Lake Michigan.
As Betty cared for others, she so appreciated the care her friends and neighbors in and around Buckley gave her. When receiving her endless homemade cookies you knew you were truly thanked for helping her live independently in her country home, where she died peacefully.
She was a devoted Christian and most recently attended Faith Lutheran Church in Mesick.
A celebration of Betty's life will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Traverse City. Please wear your masks and practice social distancing. To view the service online, please visit https://vimeo.com/508595457
Interment will take place in May at the Richmond Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School in Traverse City or to The Mary Jane Caster Scholarship Fund.
To make a gift to the School mail a check to Trinity School, 1003 S. Maple St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
To make a gift to the Scholarship Fund mail a check payable to InFaith Community Foundation, with "The Mary Jane Caster Scholarship Fund" in the note portion to 600 Portland Ave, S., Suite 5100, Minneapolis, MN 55415 or visit www.infaithfound.org/make_gift to give online.