Obituary of Bette L. Schmidt

Bette Louise (Ulrich) Schmidt of North Liberty, IA (formerly of Forest City, IA) passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 8, 2018.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 20, 2018, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Iowa City, and one hour prior to the services at the church.  Online condolences may be sent for Bette’s family through www.gayandciha.com.

Bette was born on December 31, 1945, in Mankato, MN, the daughter of Raymond and Irma (Preuss) Ulrich. She graduated from Lake Crystal High School, Lake Crystal, MN and earned her nursing degree at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN.  On December 17, 1966, Bette married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Schmidt in Mankato.

Bette was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City and has served on the Care and Wellness committee since 2015. 

She enjoyed a long nursing career, working at Naeve Hospital, Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital and Hancock County Memorial Hospital, before retiring from nursing in 1980 to spend time more with her family. 

Bette was very creative and had a deep love for music and theater.  She served as the costume director/designer for Forest City High School for well over a decade during the 90s and early 2000s.  This role led her to open her own costume shop, Theatrical Threads, which outfitted many other high school, church, and community theater productions, both locally and regionally during that time.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, leading a life centered around her family and her faith.  Bette will be remembered for her vibrant personality, ability to transform artistic vision into reality, unmatched baking skills, and compassion for everyone around her.

Her family includes her nine children: Lisa (Richard) Simmons, David (Beth), Alan (Cheri), Michael (Jenie), Jason (Melissa), Kari, Corey (Kelli), Andrew (Brittany), Darin (Leann), and 17 grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Donna (Joel) Schultz, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Mark; and her twin sons, Richard and Ryan.