Our sweet Betty Vande Voort Schaefer passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 71, following a brief illness.  Betty was born on June 8, 1953, to the late Leo and Julia (Welhouse) Vande Voort. She graduated from Appleton East in 1971.

Betty lived a life devoted to God. In 1993, she married the love of her life, Dave, and they shared a beautiful journey together; along with their 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She had a special love for animals, especially cats, and no creature went unfed—she cared for birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and any critter that crossed her path.

A gifted seamstress, having retired from David's Bridal, Betty created stunning quilts and could sew, alter, and fix just about anything. She even made her own wedding dress, a testament to her talent and creativity. Betty enjoyed camping with family and friends, always armed with bags of peanuts for the chipmunks. She was blessed with a loving circle of friends, family, and a cherished Active Living Ministries church family who enriched her life.

In 2023, Dave and Betty were blessed to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, creating unforgettable memories together. They were looking forward to an upcoming trip to Florida, anticipating the joy of sitting in the warm sunshine with family.

She will be greatly missed by her husband, Dave; children: Sarah (Chad) Bungert, Douglas (Genifer) Schaefer and Hope (soon to be husband, Cody) Schaefer; grandchildren: Alexis and Wyatt Bungert; Aaliyah, Gerald, Emily and Autumn Schaefer; Jaxon and Charlotte Chaplin; siblings: Carl (Joanne) Vande Voort, Jack (Darlene) Vande Voort, Nancy (John) Gahr, Donna (Glenn) Hartl, Randy (Becky) Vande Voort, Jeff (Darlene) Vande Voort and Steve 'Bucky' (Lynn) Vande Voort; in-laws: Donald (Shirley) Schaefer, Karen (Roger) Roth Sr., Trisha (David) Kane, Judy (Paul) Brueggemann and Nancy (friend, Scott) McDaniel and her god-child, Heather Vande Voort.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry; mother and father-in-law: Dolores and Gerald Schaefer.

A Celebration of Betty's life will be held at 3PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Active Living Ministries Church (600 W. Airport Road) Menasha, with Rev Ryan Roth officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 PM until the time of services all at church.