Betty Louise Schaaf, 88, of Marion, passed away at 2:26 am on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. She was born in Marion on Saturday, June 30, 1934, to Wallace and Ruby (Kierstead) McDaniel. She married her soulmate and best friend, Robert Schaaf, and he preceded her in death.
Betty graduated from Swayzee High School in 1952, and she worked at United Technologies in Wabash. She was a member of Northeast Church of God, of which she was one of the founding members along with her close friend of over 70 years, June Caudill. Betty was dedicated to raising her family and, as a single mother, provided everything her children needed to succeed.
Betty was an avid reader, and she especially enjoyed mysteries and animal stories. She was an animal lover and often donated to the ASPCA and local shelters. Betty was a great gardener and liked growing vegetables and flowers. She also donated her time and talent to help our veterans at the VFW and American Legion in Wabash and at the Northern Indiana VA Healthcare System in Marion. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wabash for 20 years and was very proud of her time there. Betty lived a long life, and lived it well, leaving her family proud of her strong will and dedication. She will be missed dearly, especially at her weekly “Murphy Monday” meals out with her siblings.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Shane) Blackford of Yuma, AZ, and Jill Stepp of Franklin; sons, Timothy (late Linda Luttrull Harmon) Harmon of Marion, Rodney (Juli) Harmon of Marion, and Brian (Karen) Harmon of Converse; grandchildren: Aaron (Cindy Mills) Shenefield of LaFontaine, Pacia (Brad Parsons) Perry of Wabash, Taylor (Rob Ursua) Harmon of Austin, TX, John (Michelle) Harmon of Springtown, TX, Brian Harmon, Jr., of Indianapolis, Katie (David) Heilman of Muncie, Sarah Harmon of Fort Wayne, and Jenna (Bradley) Wilson of Whiteland; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers, David (Frances) Murphy, Chuck (Vicki) Murphy, Bobby (Darlene) Murphy, Jim (Carol) Murphy, Ronnie Murphy, and Tommy (Monna) Murphy; sister, Ruth Ann Nieman; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace McDaniel; mother, Ruby Murphy; first husband, Albert Harmon; second husband, Robert Schaaf; and sisters, Norma Jean Alvarado and Donna Sue White.
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Betty’s life will begin at 11:30 am with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will take place at Thrailkill Cemetery in Swayzee.
Memorial contributions may be directed to VFW Post #286, 3678 W. Old US-24, Wabash, IN 46992 or Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.