Betty J. Shellenberger

I’ve Climbed the Golden Stair- Author

Unknown

“When I have heard the heavenly choir

And left this temporal shore,

I’ll thrill with rapture here unknown

As Jesus I adore.

Old friends I’ve known long years ago

Will bid me welcome Home;

Delighted in that bliss I’ll rest,

This earth no more to roam.

What joy will be my portion then,

All free from sin and pain!

With death forever past for me,

Don’t wish me back again.

When you see this old shell of mine,

Don’t think that I am there;

I’ve traveled on to live with God

I’ve climbed the golden stair!”

Betty J. Shellenberger joined her husband of 70 years, Paul Sr., in heaven on June 16, 2017. She was born on January 18, 1921 to Norman and Dora H. Bemesderfer in a farmhouse west of Lancaster.

Betty lived at Homestead Village Retirement Community for over 22 years. She was surrounded by her loving family. She passed in the same way that she lived, with dignity and love. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

She was proud to be a Lancaster County native.  In 1941, she married Paul N Shellenberger Sr.  He passed away in 2011. During her lifetime, Betty resided in Baltimore MD, Collinsville IL, Buffalo NY, Wilmington DE, Morristown NJ and Lancaster PA.

Mrs. Shellenberger was a homemaker.  In private life she loved to sew, do needlepoint and cross stitch. She worked crossword puzzles, played card games, played scrabble, cooked, traveled, read, and attended the theater.  She was also a community volunteer, a member of the Church of the Apostles including Friendship Circle.  She volunteered at Homestead in the Village store and the Homestead Health Center. She also volunteered with the Hempfield Meals on Wheels in Lancaster PA.  A graduate of East Hempfield High School she helped organize her class reunions.  She never met a person she couldn’t have a conversation with. Her energy and bubbly personality will be missed by many.

Our Mom’s and Grand mom’s kindness touched everyone she met.  She made friends easily, extending a genuine warmth and beautiful smile.  She was devoted to her family and exemplified unconditional love.  She took pride in the talents and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She took time to instill the values of etiquette and standards of excellence in her family.  She felt that her greatest achievements in life were her marriage and being able to see her three children build their own families and succeed in their careers.

Betty is survived by her daughters Barbara Ann, wife of Roger Sheets, Dagsboro DE, Donna Lynn, wife of Douglas Herrmann, Terre Haute IN and, a son Paul Jr., husband of Cherry, Wilmington, DE. There are four surviving grandchildren- Jill, Amanda, Zachary, Kim and six great-grandchildren – Owen, Claire, Samuel, Seth, Kyle, and Kayla.  She was predeceased by a grand-daughter Julia.  In her spare time, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be cherished and greatly missed by her children and grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a brother James Bemesderfer.

Betty has always lived life to the fullest and has taught those around her that the gift of love heals all.  Her spirit will live on in all those she has touched.  Betty will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle demeanor, love of life, and eternally strong faith.

There will be no public service. Interment will be private in Silver Springs Cemetery, Silver Springs PA.

Betty’s family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff of Apostle Health Center at Homestead Village for the kind and respectful care that they gave her and Hospice and Community Care for their loving care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Apostles 1850 Marietta Avenue Lancaster PA 17603 or Homestead Village, 1800 Marietta Avenue, P.O. Box 3227 Lancaster PA 17604.