Betty Lou Schmehl, 89

Betty Lou Schmehl, 89, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Jan. 14, 2017, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Hayden. Betty was born May 29, 1927, in Kettle Falls, Wash., to Clarence and Bessie (Aldridge) Cranston.

As a child, Betty moved with her family to Wenatchee, Wash., during the Great Depression, and then later as a teenager to Spokane, Wash. While in Spokane, she attended and graduated from Rogers High School in 1946. Later in life she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher by attending North Idaho College and then Eastern Washington University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She worked as an elementary teacher in Harrison, Idaho, until her retirement.

Betty married Harry Collett in 1946, however they were later divorced. In 1973, she married Wilbur “Red” Schmehl and they made their home in Harrison until Betty’s retirement from teaching. Wilbur and Betty then moved to Coeur d’Alene and built a home they would live in for the rest of their lives.

Betty was always active and full of energy. She was a member of True North Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and regularly volunteered for the Idaho Commission for the Blind as well as for North Idaho Museum.

Betty loved the great outdoors including camping, fishing, gardening and walking her dogs. She was an excellent card player, mastering pinochle at an early age and bridge later in life. She was an accomplished seamstress and made many beautiful quilts and gifts for family and friends.

However, spending time with her family was her greatest passion, especially planning and cooking for special occasions.

She is survived by five children: Jane Curtis of Spokane Valley, Wash., Mike (Linda) Collett of Spokane, Pat (Brenda) Collett of Coeur d’Alene, Jack (Stephanie) Collett of Cashmere, Wash., and Suzanne (Joe) McDonald of Post Falls, Idaho; as well as four of Wilbur’s children, Molly (Rick) Haines of Coeur d’Alene, Jenny (Larry) Knutson of Rathdrum, Idaho, Alice (Will) Smith of Edmonds, Wash., and Victor (Terry) Schmehl of Coeur d’Alene; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, parents and seven siblings, Ivan Cranston, Ned Cranston, Doris Kowitz, Billy Cranston, Lois Cranston, Phyllis Ramble and Max Cranston.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.

The family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to either: True North Church, 10583 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Betty in her online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.