Betty J. Schroeder, nee Love, of Urbana, IL, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Champaign County Nursing Home, at the age of 87. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at Stone Creek Church in Urbana for family, friends and others touched by Betty's life. Betty's ashes will be buried next to her husband's at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL.

Betty was born at home in Dupo, IL on April 22, 1920, to the late Harry and Lois Love. She was a graduate of Urbana High School and attended the University of Illinois where she was introduced to Millard W. Schroeder by mutual friends; the couple married on June 28, 1941. Following Millard's untimely death at age 41, Betty returned from Oshkosh to Urbana to raise their five children, with the help of her mother, Lois Love.

While Millard was in the Philippines during WWII, Betty began her long career at Carle Clinic. After his death in 1958, Betty returned to work at the Clinic, retiring in 1988 after more than 30 years of service.

Crystal Lake Park was very important to Betty, who considered it her park. She worked at the swimming pool as a young woman, and lived only a block away from the park for most of her life. An avid walker and nature lover, Betty's morning ritual in retirement was a brisk walk through the park in all seasons of the year, even when most people would declare the weather too inclement. This daily exercise and fresh air regimen ended only when she began to suffer the problems associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Gardening was another of Betty's great loves. She enjoyed caring for, nurturing and growing the trees, flowers and vegetables in her yard. Betty used to say, "Digging in the dirt is good for your soul." She felt closest to God when she was communing with Mother Nature. Fresh cut flowers and home grown fruits and vegetables often graced her table.

And Betty loved cold mountain streams. During trips with her children or friends she would make it a point to pull over, take off her shoes and socks and stick her feet in the "bubbling brook."

Betty is survived by five children and their spouses: Bill Schroeder of Urbana; Jim (Mary Ellen) Schroeder of Hebron, IL; Joy (Brian Bunzel) Schroeder of West Bend, WI; Andy (Luanne) Schroeder of Champaign; and Steve Schroeder of Georgetown, MA.

Fourteen grandchildren and their spouses: Curtis (Cindy) Schroeder; April (Rusty) Kane; Lance (Rebecca) Schroeder; Felicia (Josh) White; Quelise Schroeder; Trevor (Margot) Toppen; Emily and Inga Bunzel; Melanie (Marc) Sheets; Erin (Andy) Paris; Noah Schroeder; Colton, Kelsey and Marissa Schroeder.

She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Dylan and Taylor Schroeder; Sarah, Emily and Jacob Rutschmann; Jaxon and Miles Toppen; Matthew and Grace Sheets; and Katelyn and Audrey Paris.

Betty is also survived by one sister, Martha Hart of San Bernardino, CA, and four nieces and nephews and their spouses: Barbara (Cameron ) Troxell; James (Olya) Hart; Anne (Jeff Bantz) Mitchell; Lewie (Lisa) Mitchell.

Befitting the life she led and the things she most enjoyed, Betty's birthday - April 22 - was designated as Earth Day. In celebration of her life, the family is planning a gathering at Crystal Lake Park in late April to remember and honor Betty's life in the park that meant so much to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials given in Betty's name to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated by the family. Renner-Wikoff Chapel assisted the family with cremation.