To view Bettyanne's Memorial Mass please visit: www.facebook.com/holyfamilygf/

Elizabeth "Bettyanne" (King) Schmelka, 82, a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Altru Hospital.

On April 12, 1942, in Ottawa, Ontario, Bettyanne was born to parents, Irma Crawford and Victor King. She grew up alongside her older brothers, Victor and Jeffrey, and always spoke of her treasured childhood memories at Christie Lake (the Noonan Farmhouse). Bettyanne graduated from Notre Dame Convent before earning her nursing degree from the University of Ottawa in 1964.

After graduating, Bettyanne began working as an emergency room nurse, where she first crossed paths with Dr. Daniel Schmelka. Before they had even been introduced, Dan had clipped her newspaper graduation announcement and tucked it into his wallet, telling friends he had found his future wife. Their courtship blossomed, and in 1965 they married, beginning a lifetime of love and adventure together.

In 1977, the family moved to Grand Forks, ND where they built a beautiful life, raising their three children with love, laughter, and devotion. Bettyanne always put her family first, whether cheering from the stands at ice shows and hockey games or offering words of encouragement, she was always present and always proud. Bettyanne had a remarkable ability to bring people together. She was the heart of every gathering, always ready to welcome friends into her home with warmth and generosity. Bettyanne loved attending the UND hockey games, hosting poolside dinners, or simply sharing stories and laughter.

In 1999, Bettyanne and Dan found their paradise on Marco Island, Florida. She and Dan became part of a close-knit community, forming deep friendships that quickly became like family. Bettyanne always looked forward to her winters there, filled with cherished traditions, memories, and an ever-growing list of friends. Above all, family was at the center of Bettyanne's world. She was openly affectionate and unwaveringly supportive of her five grandchildren (Anna, Danny, Adam, Francie and Sara). Bettyanne cherished every conversation, milestone, and moment as they each grew into the young adults she admired.

Bettyanne will be deeply missed by her three children, Christine, Dan (Katy), and John, her grandchildren, Anna, Danny, Adam, Francie, and Sara, nieces and nephews, and her brother- and sisters-in-law. Bettyanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Daniel, her parents Irma Crawford and Victor Thomas King, her brothers Victor and Jeffrey, sister-in-law, Patricia King and brother-in-law, Barclay Lennen.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Church on Saturday, May 17, at 1:00 PM. To honor her lifelong spirit of generosity and love for family and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bettyanne's memory to:
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Inc.: PO Box 109 Marco Island, FL 34146
Grand Forks Children's Museum: PO Box 5126 Grand Forks, ND 58206 or www.gfchildrensmuseum.com

Her kindness, laughter, and love will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Memorial Mass: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Grand Forks, ND.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church.
Interment: Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.