Betty Schmidt

Betty Garrett Schmidt, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Madison, Alabama, on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by her two daughters.

Betty was born on August 20, 1932, in Bridgeport, West Virginia, to Harold Michael Garrett and Margaret Hoyt Garrett. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 54 years, Donald Eugene Schmidt; and her brother, Edmund Garrett.

Above all else, Betty was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to Donna Schmidt-Wright and her husband, Kenneth, and Martha Schmidt Gilpin and her husband, Sean. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Mason Wright; Victoria Wright Szucs and her husband, Attila; Ryan Wright; and Connor Gilpin. Her family was the greatest source of joy and pride throughout her life.

After graduating from high school in Bridgeport, Betty attended Mary Baldwin College, where she earned a degree in Biology. She went on to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she studied to become a physical therapist.

Following her education, Betty moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and began her career at Cincinnati General Hospital. There, she cared for patients who had survived polio, including those living in iron lungs. Her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others became hallmarks of both her professional and personal life.

It was through the Newman Club that Betty met her future husband, Donald Schmidt. Their meeting marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership that would span 54 years of marriage, built upon love, faith, family, adventure, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Donald’s career took the family to several parts of the country, and Betty embraced each new chapter with grace and enthusiasm. Their journey carried them from Ohio to New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and ultimately to Dothan, Alabama, where Betty established and operated her own home health physical therapy business. She took great pride in her profession and in the many people she was privileged to serve.

Betty found joy in the simple and meaningful things of life. She loved tending her garden and especially her roses, becoming a Master Gardener. She enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, swimming, reading, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. Her home was always open, and family and friends were welcomed with warmth, generosity, and genuine affection.

Those who knew Betty will remember her remarkable resilience, kindness, independence, and generous spirit. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. Through her work, friendships, and especially her family, she touched countless lives with her warmth and compassion.

In her later years, Betty moved to Madison, Alabama, to be closer to her family. She was lovingly cared for and surrounded by those she cherished most. Her final days were peaceful, at home, with her two daughters by her side.

Betty is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Donald, whose love remained with her every day throughout the years following his passing. Together again, they leave behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, love, and devotion—a legacy that will continue through their children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives they touched.

Visitation will be held at Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church in Madison, Alabama, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m.

An additional visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home in Midland City, Alabama on Monday, September 14th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A Graveside service will follow the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m.