Betty Jean (Fleitman) Felderhoff

Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Betty Jean (Fleitman) Felderhoff was held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rosary and Vigil were held at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Scott Funeral Home in Muenster. Mrs. Felderhoff passed away peacefully at her home in Muenster the morning of Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Betty was born in Muenster, TX on August 11, 1931, to Alois and Emilia (Millie) Wiesmann Fleitman. She grew up on the family farm west of Muenster and attended Sacred Heart School. She graduated from High School in 1949, having paid for her high school tuition through raising calves each year. While in school she played multiple sports, including volleyball and basketball. After high school, she worked a variety of jobs in Gainesville and Muenster, including as a nanny, housekeeper, and as a grocery-store clerk. She, with friends, rented boarding rooms in Muenster during their young adulthood and enjoyed living “in town.” Betty also continued playing sports in various young women’s leagues, traveling to nearby towns for games. Betty married Henry Anton Felderhoff on June 17, 1952, and together they raised six children. Betty and Henry celebrated 61 years of marriage, before his passing on August 29, 2013. Betty was a supportive wife, helping Henry through long hours and tough elements as he worked as an oilfield tool pusher for Felderhoff Brothers Drilling. She regularly rode along with him on many work trips to the rigs and on work trips to other cities. Betty and Henry were supportive parents, celebrating the activities of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Betty shared her love of sports as her kids’ first coach in the backyard, teaching them how to shoot a basket and throw a baseball or football. Betty and Henry attended many school and sporting events, being there for their family and helping them to succeed. When her children had a paper route or a lawn mowing business, she did as much work as they did. As their children and grandchildren moved on to college, they were there again for them and their college activities, including basketball and track and just encouraging them as they each made their own way in life. Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed reading. In 1974, she began volunteering at the Muenster Public Library. She continued working at the library for almost 45 years, only stopping when her health issues progressed. Betty also volunteered at the Muenster Museum for many years. During the last years of her life, Betty persevered through several health concerns. Her mobility and eyesight were hindered. After each health challenge, she worked to regain her strength and independence. Her faith sustained her as she regularly prayed the rosary and attended Mass via television multiple times on Sundays and through the week. Her determination to keep going was another coaching example for her family. Betty enjoyed baking, especially homemade bread. She tried to have bread fresh from the oven when family visited – her way of making sure we knew she was glad we were here. She always sent us home with loaves of bread as she told us she loved us. She crocheted blankets, including baby blankets for her growing family, plus doll blankets for her youngest great-granddaughters to play with. Throughout her later years, she enjoyed regularly attending SNAP and seeing friends along with her Thursday card group. She truly appreciated the friendship and assistance from them. Betty is survived by her six children and their spouses: Glenn and Linda Felderhoff of Graham, Doris and Ron Dennard of Decatur, David and Barbie Felderhoff of Muenster, Floyd and Marceline Felderhoff of Midland, Kevin and Linda Felderhoff of Brevard, North Carolina, and Craig Felderhoff and David Alcorta of Houston. She is also survived by the biggest joys of her life: her fourteen grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Betty is survived by her two sisters: Eileen Krebs of Gainesville and Lorine Strassberg of Dayton, Ohio plus in-laws Maryanne Fleitman of Muenster, Celine Schrage of Salinas, California, and John and Anselma Wright of San Antonio. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her parents Al and Millie Fleitman, her two brothers, Eddie and Herbie Fleitman, and numerous in-laws. Funeral services were officiated by Father Joseph Keating and Father Ken Robinson. Readings were given by granddaughter Megan Sandmann. Family rosary before services was led by niece Kim Felderhoff. Eucharistic minister was niece Ramona Felderhoff. Music Ministers were Linda Flusche, Diane Grewing, and Jim Endres, singing Pilgrim Song, And I will Follow, Only in God, Be Not Afraid, Wonderful Merciful Savior, and Edelweiss Blessing. And Christy Hesse sang Ave Maria, accompanied by Jaime Taylor. Eulogies were given by granddaughter Lyssa Broach and daughter Doris Dennard at the vigil. Pallbearers were grandchildren Brandon Felderhoff, Keri Little, JoAnna Hambrick, Justin Felderhoff, and Christy Adams and nephew Larry Fleitman. For those desiring to make contributions in memory of Betty, the family suggests Muenster Fire Department or Muenster Public Library.

Betty Jean (Fleitman) Felderhoff

August 11, 1931 - January 10, 2024