Betty Shantz Klassen, 86, died  on Oct. 23, 2017.  Betty was born in Comins Township, Michigan, to Ernest and Letha Shantz.  She grew up in Fairview, Michigan, and worked in her family’s creamery and restaurant businesses from a young age. 

Betty received her Bachelor‘s in Social Work from Bluffton College in 1955. Once her children were in school she earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Kent State University in 1971 and a Master’s from Northern Arizona University in 1985. 

She was an educator for many years. Her body was donated for research to the medical program at The University of Arizona, Tucson.

Betty and her husband, Karl, moved to Arizona from Ohio in 1980, making Clarkdale their home. She taught many years at Yavapai Community College.  She also served on the Clarkdale Jerome school board for many years. 

Betty is survived by her husband Karl (married 61 years), and her four children Risa, Kurt, Ann, and Max, daughter-in-law Amy, seven grandchildren and two siblings, Derril Shantz and Janis Zehr. She is also survived by Paul Klassen, Bluffton, a brother-in-law.

A memorial open house will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, from 1-4 p.m. at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale, Arizona.