April 9, 2011  

LOWVILLE, N.Y.  —  Betty R. Schantz, 74, of State Route 26, died Friday morning at Lewis County General Hospital, where she had been a patient since March 21, 2011.   

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the Castorland Baptist Church, with Pastor Joyce Miller, officiating.  Burial will follow in Martinsburg Cemetery.  Calling hours are from 1 - 3 and 7 - 9 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011 at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., 5702 Waters Road, Lowville.  Contributions may be made to Castorland Baptist Church, c/o Donna Lou Booth, 4926 State Rte. 410, Castorland, NY 13620; or a charity of one’s choice. 

Mrs. Schantz is survived by her husband of over 54 years, Jesse; a son, Douglas L. Schantz of Lowville, working for U.S. Airways based in Philadelphia, PA; a son and daughter-in-law, Gregory C. and Debra Schantz of Lowville; three grandchildren, Jerome R. Schantz, Kyle D. Schantz, Caitlin J. Schantz; a great-grandson, James R. Schantz; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

She was predeceased by a son, David L. Schantz, who died in June 1957, shortly after birth; and by two half-brothers, Stanley H. Young, Jr., and Gerald F. Young.  

Betty was born on May 22, 1936 in the Town of Lowville, a daughter of the late Calvin and Doris L. Finney Ridlespraker, and was raised on the family farm, Ridle-Vue Farm, in Denmark.  She graduated from Lowville Central School in 1953, and from the Watertown School of Commerce.  Betty worked for Dr. John Miller’s dental office prior to her marriage.  On September 15, 1956, she married Jesse E. Schantz at the Castorland Baptist Church, with Rev. William Cutler officiating.  Together with her husband, the couple worked on her family dairy farm, where they still reside.  The family farm is now operated by their son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Debra Schantz, and their family.  She began working at Lewis County General Hospital in 1960 as a switchboard clerk, and later as a billing clerk, retiring in 1995. Betty worked in the Lewis County Fair office as an entry clerk from 1958 until present.  

Mrs. Schantz was member of Castorland Baptist Church, where she was church organist and Past Treasurer.  She was involved with the North Lowville Home Dem Group for many years, and with the Gleaners from Castorland Baptist Church.  Betty was a member and Secretary of Denmark Grange #535. 

She enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends, knitting, needlepoint, and word puzzles.  Betty was very fond of her cats.  She also enjoyed the computer, corresponding with family and friends. 

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

Information provided by Iseneker Funeral Home of Lowville and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.