Betty Lou(ise) Richardson Shumaker

Betty Lou(ise) Richardson Shumaker, 83, of Grand Chain, died at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

Betty Lou(ise) Richardson Shumaker was born on Aug. 1, 1939, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cairo, the daughter of Clayton F. Richardson and Kathryn Louise Reichert Richardson, who lived in Grand Chain.

She loved the Lord and tried to help people as much as she could. She died at home on April 1, 2023, knowing just how much she was loved.

She graduated from Grand Chain High School in 1957 and from Southern Illinois University in 1960. She later received her master’s degree in education.

She married David Leon Shumaker, the love of her life, on Sept. 13, 1958. He died on Aug. 26, 2019. 

They had two children, Susan Gaye Shumaker Meink and Stacey Gail Shumaker Parker, who both are the culmination of Betty and Leon’s love.

Four grandsons were the apple of their eyes: Nick (Karla) and Collin (Kendra) Parker and Trey (Dana) and Carson (Anna) Baugher. Then their joy became more abundant with Carter Baugher, Lucas Baugher, Micaela Parker and Lucia Parker.

She retired from Century High School in 1993, having taught every grade except 2nd and 3rd grades in elementary school. She found other places to work, including Grand Chain Bank, St. Joseph’s School in Cairo, the Pulaski County Development Association, Grand Chain Lodge, Dippin’ Dots and the Village of Grand Chain. 

Betty Lou had been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Teachers Society), Beta Sigma Phi, Illinois Association of Home Community Education, Saint Catherine’s Altar Secretary and the Ohio Chapel Women’s Group.

She loved her family and loved her community. She loved her life and she lived it well.

She is survived by daughters, Susan Gaye (Dane) Meink and Stacey Gail Parker; grandchildren Nick (Karla) Parker, Collin (Kendra) Parker, Trey (Dana) Baugher and Carson (Anna) Baugher. Challin (Kevin) Baro; great-grandchildren Micaela Parker, Lucia Parker, Carter Baugher, Lucas Parker, Kedzie Baro, Lincoln Baro and Archer Baro; and nieces Amy (Cary) Nichols, Lea Ann (Brent) Mehrhoff and Karen (Jeremy) Nation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Kathryn Richardson; an infant sister, Shirley; and a brother, Lloyd Richardson.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Betty Lou(ise) Richardson Shumaker were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at the Ohio Chapel Church near Grand Chain (the Tick Ridge Community). Pastor Tammy Horn officiated. 

Interment followed at the Saint Catherine Cemetery in Grand Chain.

Pallbearers were Collin Parker, Nick Parker, Trey Baugher, Carson Baugher, Dane Meink and Gavin Petermichael.

Donations can be made to the Grand Chain Cemetery Association or to the Ohio Chapel Church. 

To leave an online message with the family or to share a memory, visit www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak was in charge of arrangements.