Bettina Rightmire Schmeling
July 13, 1913 ~ March 6, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Bettina Doris Rightmire Schmeling died March 6, 2010.
Born July 13, 1913 to Margaret Sturge Rightmire and Harry Albert Rightmire in Rochester, NY. Beloved wife of the late Evans Schmeling, adored mother of Frederick Schmeling and Bettina Cesmig, and darling Grandmother of Gina Schmeling, Adriana Payne and Hadrien Schmeling. Great-grandmother to George, Creeley, Cy & Lucia.
Mrs. Schmeling attended the University of Michigan where she met her future husband and remained a devoted alumnae. A lifelong volunteer, she spent many years working at Asheville�s Memorial Mission Hospital. She loved flowers, wildlife, traveling, was an avid reader, adored music and her needlepoint, but particularly delighted in the company of her beloved children, grandchildren and dear friends.
She was an active member of the PEO sisterhood for many decades and was a proud descendant of Joseph Sturge, the Quaker Abolitionist who founded the British Anti-Slavery society.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the University of Michigan, Department of Geological Sciences or Planned Parenthood.
A private family service will be held Thursday.
I worked for your mother/grandmother for quite a few years at Givens. I shall miss her very much
She was a wonderful, giving person and I loved her. Just know when we are absent from the body, we are present with God. May He sustaine you and comfort you.
I am one of Bettina’s Travelers Club friends who always looked forward to talking with her.She was a treasured member of our club because she was such a charming and gracious lady. We shared a mutual interest in Cuba and I enjoyed her stories of the time she and her husband lived there.
To the family of Bettina Schmeling I would like to express our deepest sympathy. We have kept her in our prayers and have missed her smiling face at our meetings. I only had the opportunity of meeting her at our famous auctions which where alyways held at the Givens. Her presence always lighted up the room her warm friendship and her love for her sisters in P.E.O. I remember.
Donna Vaughn, President of Chapter AC/Asheville
34 years ago I was a new mother, needing a mother’s touch while waiting for my own mother to get into town. Mrs. Schmeling provided that assistance and that special touch. I remember talking with her as she helped me with my new baby son, getting the nursing just right. She was a dear, must have been for me to remember her after all these years. Just think of how wide her wisdom and caring has spread, she was a lovely lady.
I never met Mrs. Schmeling, but have met her children, such lovely people. I enjoyed reading Mrs. Schmeling’s obituary and seeing how many lives she must have touched during her own busy life. Her daughter expressed just today, what a wonderful, happy full life she had. Isn’t that the hope of all us? That we can leave that kind of impression on those we leave behind….much love and support goes to her family. I know she will be greatly missed.
It was my great pleasure to have Bettina as a friend. I have recently looked at photos of her lovely birthday parties, and remember beautiful luncheons on the terrace of her home. I will remeber her beauty, intelligence and humor.
Much love,
Cheryl
Fred and Joy,
We hope that your Mom did not suffer in her journey to passage. She had a regal presence and a warmth that I have always remembered. You and Joy were fortunate to have such a Mom. May God Bless you all.
Marlene and Stuart Rankin