Betty Lou Schau, 97, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 9:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison.
She was born on January 17, 1928, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Albert and Louella Rush Davidson. On September 28, 1947, she married Lester Schau in Primrose, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 13, 1989.
She is survived by two sons: Michael (Mary Lou) Schau of Oxford, Kansas, Roger (Sandy) Schau of Bonaparte, Iowa; six grandchildren: Amy (Troy), Tyler (Jackie), Heather (Rich), Anna (Casey), DaLane (Kyle), Kylee (Mitch); fourteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and one sister: Patty Smith of Bonaparte, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Lester; daughter-in-law: Pam Schau; step-grandson: Jason Schau; three brothers; six sisters and good friend: Bob Rohdy.
Betty Lou was a 1946 graduate of Donnellson High School. She started working at W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company in Fort Madison. She was a member of of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Donnellson and the American Legion Auxiliary 474 for seventy-seven years. Betty Lou loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and friends.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
Per her wishes, no services will be held.
Burial will be at the Primrose Cemetery, Rural Primrose, Iowa.
The family request no flowers. Memorials have been established in her memory for Special Olympics or Susan Komen Breast Foundation and can be mailed to the family at: Roger Schau, 22491 White Avenue, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements.