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We all lost a very special friend yesterday, June 14, 2014, when Betty Cullen Stankoff passed away after having a stroke. Betty lived life to its fullest and showed love and caring to everyone.
Here are Shonie deVries Schafer's comments:
I have lost a dear friend I have known for 50 years since high school. So glad she had come back into my life as she brought such joy, friendship and laughter. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest and with passion. Her smile was infectious and she lit up any room she was in. Remembering all the years we spent together in high school band, watching her cheer, and our beautiful homecoming queen! Her enthusiasm on our reunion committees and golf outings. She was truly an inspiration to everyone and touched the lives of all that knew her. Her husband and her family were the love of her life and my prayers go out to them on this great and sudden loss. I will miss her so very much as she has left a big hole in my heart. Heaven is a better place now that you are there.
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Nikki Gedeon (Black)
From Bruce Vorce:
I was thunderstruck at the loss of Betty. She was and always has been an inspiring source of energy and zest for life. I have many, many memories of great times we spent together, especially with Betty and Paul Voorheis, as drummers in band. For years we drove the directors, Richens and Stevens, crazy with our hyperactivity and constant goofing around in the percussion section. Betty's laughter often swayed the wrath of the directors. Just sitting here jotting off these notes, I'm in a state of disbelief over her loss. Betty was brightly woven through the Class of '62 fabric of life. Even though I haven't spent time with Betty since the warm hugs of greeting at the reunion, she will be greatly missed upon reflection. My heart goes out to Dennis and her loving family.
Harry Smith
I can't even begin to say how sad and shocked I am to hear of Betty,s passing. Thankfully, Shonie and Bruce have said what was welling up in me since the news. I wish I had said to Betty and all the "Golden Girls" how much she and all of you have meant to the rest of us, and how much joy and happiness you have given us.I can only pray that Betty's promotion to Heaven and all our prayers will help you all during this time of pain. Harry and Vickie Smith
Danna Wolke (Bowersox)
I, too, am stunned to have heard of Betty's all to soon departure from all of us. It seems as though many of us were just reuniting after the last two reunions. She was always the vivacious, spunky, one who accepted everyone and was accepted by everyone. We all still had many good times to have with her yet. This was very sad news.
Carol Baker (Campbell)
My heart is heavy but I remember with joy the great fun Betty and I had together in high school. Her zany personality was unmatched and we have all lost a selfless and loving friend. I regret that we lost touch over the years but she has always been in my heart. Hugging me at the reunion she said "my bud" just like it was yesterday, making the years dissolve. My deep prayers go out to Denny and family and if we are as blessed as she was we will see her again in heaven
Judy Curtis (Jones)
I was surprise as we all were it seem like I just read about her being in fl and wish one of us would take the time to see each, But as we all do next time I will make that plan . She was a great Lady and will be miss by all of her friends. And my heart goes out to her family.
Don Riehl (Coach/Teacher)
It was with great sadness that we received the shockiing news of Betty's passing. It doesn't seem possible that one so full of life has gone before us. We remember great days at Thurston with always smiling Betty and watched her cheer at so many athletic events. The romance between Dennis and Betty was so reminiscent of our romance at THS. In later years she was our banker at the branch on Wayne Road so we were able to keep in touch with her family and Dennis. At the 50th reunion, I loved the hugs she gave me and was just so happy to see her again. May God bless her family as they cope with days without her but have the promise of future times together.
Barbara and Don Riehl
Connie Johnson (Hurn)
I was more than shocked when I received the devastating news of Betty's unexpected death. But my high school memories of Betty are still alive and well. She was a bright star in the THS Class of 62 - always smiling, and full of endless energy and passion. We were blessed to know her. My prayer is for Betty's family to be given God's grace during this time of deep grief and that they will feel the loving arms of Jesus holding them up. Betty will be dearly missed.
Bill Shaffer
I was so sad to hear about Betty. She was always so nice to me. I'll miss most that wonderful smile. I remember walking past her in the hallways at Thurston and couldn't help but notice how happy she was. I those days I was looking more at Betty than Betty was looking at me. You just couldn't help but care for her because she cared about eveyone else. I'm sure she will be missed by many.