Elizabeth "Betty" Bartz Schnake, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Betty was born on December 30, 1933, in Galveston, Texas, to Tasso Rudolph and Ethel Marr Bartz. Betty was reared in Galveston and was a member of the Central United Methodist Church, where her elders were founders, and was an early graduate of Ball High School. She matriculated to Southern Methodist University where she earned a degree in English. She began a teaching career at Texas City High School before meeting the love of her life Dr. Edward Schnake during his residency at John Sealy Hospital.

Betty and Ed married and spent two years serving in the US Navy at Pensacola, Florida in the naval hospital. They later settled in Dickinson, Texas, where they reared four children. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty was actively involved in her community and cherished the friendships she built over six decades. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Dickinson. She had a passion for her community and friends enjoying swimming, tennis, and bridge. She and Ed traveled the world together, yet some of their happiest moments were spent at home with family.

Betty was deeply committed to education. She returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher at Dickinson High School and later served her community with pride as a member of the Dickinson ISD School Board.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Schnake; her parents, Tasso and Ethel Marr Bartz; and her brother, Reed Bartz. She is survived by her four children and twelve grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Rara." Her children include Lee Colquitt (Bryan), John Schnake (Julie), Keith Schnake (Dianna), and Paul Schnake (Karen). Her grandchildren are John Colquitt (Christina), Keith Colquitt (Samantha), Elizabeth Colquitt Ries (Rob), Paul Colquitt (Abby), Reed

Schnake, Burton Schnake, Ellie Schnake, Stephen Defferari, Bryan Schnake, Christopher Schnake, Mary Elizabeth Schnake Saxon (Henry), and Clay Schnake (Hannah). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: George, Charlotte, and Emma Colquitt; Lucy, Bryan, and Ben Colquitt; Henry and Olivia Ries; Idris and Ovid Defferari; Caroline Colquitt; and Georgia Saxon.

The family is especially grateful for the many years they shared after Betty bravely fought breast cancer in her forties. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to The Hallmark for the compassionate care provided their beloved Rara. In her honor donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.