Elizabethe Schau

Passed away early Friday, November 10, 2017 surrounded by family, from complications following a heart attack that occurred on Monday November 6th. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Halloween October 31st, 1930; the daughter of Robert and Alethe (Towell) Montgomery. She lived in Ohio and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School. She earned her Bachelors of Science from Western Michigan University in 1971. She worked and taught as an Occupational Therapist for 44 years, retiring in 2015, at age 85. Betty met her first husband, Corwin Rife in 1946 while both were working in theatre. They married in 1949 and had 4 children; Spencer, Sandi (Leonard), Charles and James Rife. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. She was remarried to Marshall Schau Jr. in 1969 and added Tim Schau and Pam (Schau) Loveland to her family. Besides learning to become a homemaker and parent, Betty fell in love with theatre and was active in all aspects of this art, especially costume design. Recruited by her oldest son, in 1960, Betty worked as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), until her death. She was presented the highest award for leadership in scouting by President Gerald Ford, the Silver Beaver Award, in 1989. She worked with several scout troops and helped start handicap scout troops in the Kalamazoo area. As an amateur geologist she lead many scouts to earn their Geology merit badge. She became a Commissioner for Kalamazoo county BSA. She also was a Girl Scout leader for many years. Betty was proud of the fact that she shook hands with 3 United States Presidents and was even kissed by one of them! Elizabethe's love of rocks translated into membership in the Kalamazoo Geological and Mineral Society. For whom she worked as Vice President for 11 years. She is known for teaching many individuals how to polish Petosky stones (our state stone). She has also enjoyed creating jewelry and "pebble pups" with polished stones. Betty's life was faith based. She was an active member of many area churches throughout her lifetime. She sang in the choir and volunteered her time and talents teaching Sunday school and devoting much of her time to Godly works. She is a current member of St. Mary's Church in Kalamazoo. Betty loved working in her perennial and vegetable gardens and enjoyed nature (especially waterfalls), traveling and rock hunting. She was an expert swimmer and spent many summer days in her 44,000 gallon in-ground pool,built by first husband Corwin and sons in 1961. Elizabethe was also an avid seamstress and quilter. Making many quilts for her grand & great-grandchildren. She hosted costume Halloween birthday parties at her home annually until the age of 78. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and this community. In accordance with Betty's wishes the family is arranging for her body to be donated to science. A memorial Mass & Celebration of her life is being planned for mid-December at St. Mary Catholic Church, 939 Charlotte Ave. Kalamazoo MI 49048 (269)-342-0621. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Geological and Mineral Society.These donations will be placed in a scholarship fund for Western Michigan University students. Checks to: K.G.M.S., and mailed c/o David Haas, President KGMS, 10000 Cressey, Plainwell, MI 49080.