Obituary: Betty Ann Schmit, 87

Betty Ann Schmit 87, passed away Oct. 20, 2016 in Vancouver, Wash.

Betty was born to J. Harrison and Minnie Bigelow, March 3, 1929, in Olympia, Wash.

She was athletic and as a youth played basketball at Wrangell High School in Alaska. Betty and Pete (Beldon) Arthurs raised their five children in Napavine, Wash. Both parents were active in the community, coaching baseball, PTA and ensuring their children got the benefit of learning a musical instrument. Music and dancing were something Pete and Betty enjoyed doing together.

As a volunteer, Betty would put together meals for large crowds at the Elks Lodge during special events in Petersburg. Alaska, where she and her husband, Don Schmit, resided for several years before retiring to Roseburg, Ore. Betty also volunteered in the reading programs at Petersburg Elementary and at SPCA in Roseburg, Ore. She was an avid fisherman and spent many successful hours fishing for salmon. Don and Betty were married for over

40 years.

Betty was preceded in death by her husbands, Pete

Arthurs and Don Schmit; and her great-grandson, Kody Wilson.

She is survived by her five children, Joy Arthurs, Ginnie Arthurs, Jerry Arthurs (Melissa), Belinda Arthurs (Terry Allee) and Corky Arthurs (Patsy); ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

A graveside service was held at Napavine Cemetery Nov. 12. 2016. In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation.