Betty J. Shankle passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on the evening of Monday, May 4, 2026.

Betty Jane was born on June 6, 1940, in Deerwood, Minnesota, to Aimar (Ford) and Stanley Splettstoeszer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aimar and Stanley Splettstoeszer; her brothers, Erick and Robert Splettstoeszer; and her sisters, Katherine Olander and Mary Packer.

She is survived by her sister, Louise Forsmark; her daughters, Pam Shankle, Amy (Shankle) Burmeister, Linda (Shankle) McCoy, and Cindy (Shankle) Grider; her granddaughters, Sheilla Marshall, Courtney Salazar, Megan (Austin) Smith, and Jenica McCoy; and her great-grandsons, Luis Salazar Jr., Timothy Bailey Jr., Liam Smith, and Cooper Smith.

Betty J. Shankle lived a life defined by love in action—expressed through her family, her faith, and her tireless service to others. From a young age, she felt a natural calling to care for children, a calling she fulfilled throughout her life by babysitting, teaching Sunday School, and leading church youth groups. She had a steady, nurturing presence that shaped and uplifted countless young lives.

She devoted the majority of her days to raising her daughters, creating a home filled with warmth, stability, and care. Later, she poured that same energy and devotion into her granddaughters, once again dedicating her time and heart to guiding the next generation. Through every season of life, she made her home a place that felt special—welcoming, joyful, and full of love.

She shared a beautiful 66-year marriage with her husband, Lester, her high school sweetheart. Together, they built a life grounded in deep commitment and quiet companionship, enjoying daily walks side by side regardless of the weather – a reflection of their enduring bond.

Her service extended far beyond her family. Betty was deeply involved in her church, faithfully volunteering in the church office each week and leading numerous committees and initiatives, including a major renovation. She approached everything she did with a mindset of continuous improvement, always looking for ways to make things better. She also gave generously to her community, volunteering in local elementary schools—especially those attended by her daughters and granddaughters—and supporting many charitable events, often through organizing and preparing meals.

Betty was a a gifted homemaker in the truest sense. She had a remarkable ability to host large gatherings with ease, often with children happily in tow. She was always creating something delicious and welcoming others into her home. She was also an accomplished seamstress and craftswoman, sewing dresses for her daughters and granddaughters for special occasions including weddings, proms, and holidays. With confidence and creativity, she would often say, “I can make that,” and then do so beautifully.

Betty approached life with calm purpose. She was a thoughtful listener, a steady presence, and someone who consistently put others’ needs before her own—something she did willingly and with joy. She had a remarkable ability to accomplish so much each day while making it all look effortless.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tracy Nelson, Tonya Kujawski, and Mary Birkel for the loving care they provided Betty.

Visitation will take place at Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church, 929 Milton Street, South Bend, Indiana, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana.

Betty’s legacy is one of deep love, quiet strength, and selfless service. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her. 

To leave a message for the family, please go to Chapelhillmemorial.com