~~Betty J. Schnittgen came into this world on September 13, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois and departed this world on July 21, 2017 in Indianapolis, IN at the age of 92 years old. Her parents were Raymond and Charlotte Bender of Chicago, IL. Betty was their first born along with two younger brothers, Raymond and Robert.

Betty grew up in Chicago and lived through the Great Depression. Betty's love of travel started early as she enjoyed traveling with her friends. One of her first jobs was as a telephone operator for an insurance company and then moved into a secretarial position.

Betty met her future husband, Lawrence R. Schnittgen, Jr., at a wedding of a friend. On October 21, 1950 they married and set up household in Des Plaines, IL where there they had their first and second child, Diane and Larry. In 1952 they moved to Indianapolis, IN where their third child, Donna, was born. They joined St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, on the west side of Indianapolis, of which they were active members. Several years later, their fourth child, Ted, was born followed by their fifth and final child, Julie, in 1963.

She had been a homemaker, but eventually started to work for the City of Indianapolis as the secretary to the City of Indianapolis purchasing agent. She was a long time member of the American Business Women's Association. She left the City several years later to join the Central Indiana Regional Blood Center where she was originally a blood representative and eventually became the Blood Center's purchasing agent and held that position until her retirement.

Upon retirement, Betty became fascinated with the stock market which became her passion; Betty educated herself about investing and the stock market which afforded her the ability to travel the world with friends and family. Betty took her family on several memorable vacations. Betty's most adventuresome and favorite vacations were to the Holy Land, South East Asia and of course, Ireland due to her Irish heritage.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers, Raymond and Robert of Chicago, IL. She is survived by her children: Diane (David) Schneider, Lawrence R. Schnittgen III, Donna Schnittgen, Ted (Glen) Schnittgen and Julie (Michael) Ray.

Betty is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Matthew Schneider, Debra (Mitch) Jardot, Ted Schnittgen, Jr., Erik Schnittgen, Heather Ray, Tony Ray and Nikki Ray plus two great-grandchildren: Mia and Tyler Jardot.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Northwest Manor Healthcare who gave our mother very professional care and personal attention - by providing warm hugs and lots of smiles.

In lieu of flowers, you may give a donation in Betty's honor to St Michael the Archangel Church or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Stevens Mortuary, 5520 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN (317-247-4493) from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church located at 3354 West 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN.

Betty Schnittgen

September 13, 1924 - July 21, 2017

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