Bettie L. Scheidt

  Bettie L. Scheidt, of Columbus, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed from this life in peace on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. She was 92 years of age. Bettie was born on September 24, 1926, in Indianapolis, to James P. and Madge Kell Todd. Bettie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Virgil D. Scheidt; and sister, Ruth Andis. Bettie lived in Bartholomew County most of her life, graduating from Columbus High School in 1945. During her high school years she played in the Girls’ Band, the only all girl marching band in the state of Indiana. She was also a member of the Drama Club and played softball. She married Virgil Scheidt on February 20, 1949; they celebrated 62 years of marriage before his death on October 2, 2011. They were blessed with four children who survive:  Randy, Warren, Deborah, and Christie. Bettie demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout her life. She was employed by Cummins Engine Co. in the Purchasing Department, the County Treasurer’s Office for eight years, and was a past manager of the local BMV. She and her late husband owned and operated a farm for over 38 years in Clay Township. Bettie also was instrumental in the development of The Cork Liquors stores where she was co-owner and manager. Cork I opened its doors in 1982 with Bettie at the helm; she worked tirelessly at that location for over 26 years, retiring when she was only 82 years of age! For many years Bettie and her husband shared a keen interest in politics; they attended numerous State Republican Conventions and eight National Conventions. She was a past member of the Bartholomew County Republican Women’s Club, the Columbus Business and Professional Women’s Club and Kappa Kappa Sigma. Bettie was also named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Columbus Rotary Club. Bettie’s faith sustained and guided her throughout her life. She was baptized October 11, 1949, and was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clifty for over 70 years. Bettie’s family meant everything to her. She enjoyed spending time and visits with her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren both near and far away. Occasional visits and long phone calls from her younger sister, Norma Jean, were especially welcome. Bettie enjoyed reading and traveling, but she daily delighted in her lovely view of the farm just through the family room windows. Survivors include her children,  Don R. “Randy” (Jill) Scheidt of Columbus, Deborah D. (Ken) Hollis of Chapel Hill, NC, Warren R. (Molly) Scheidt of Columbus, and Christie C. (Hank) Rassel of Greenwood, IN; eleven grandchildren, Mathew Hollis (fiancé Amory Minot) of New York, NY, Leslie (Kris) Weiby of Chanhassen, MN, Travis Scheidt of Columbus, Zachary Hollis of Durham, NC, Allison (Logan) Lykins of Columbus, Katie Scheidt of Minneapolis, MN, Todd Scheidt of Indianapolis, IN, Emily Scheidt of Minneapolis, MN, Nicholas Rassel of Cincinnati, OH, Olivia Rassel and Madeleine Rassel both of Greenwood, IN; and her six great-grandchildren are Harrison and Jovi Scheidt, Easton and Colton Weiby, and Larkin and Josephine Lykins. Other survivors include Bettie’s sister; Norma Jean Tays, of Irmo, SC; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Clifty), 6045 State St. Columbus, with Pastor Doug Bauman officiating. Calling will be Monday, April 22, 2019, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, 3855 25th St., Columbus, and from 10 a.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran (Clifty) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.