Mary Elizabeth Schmutz

Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmutz (nee McShane), 67, of St. Louis passed away May 1, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jerry; daughters Jennifer Schmutz Prichard (Phillip) and Emily Jane Gebhardt (Benjamin); grandsons Jack Prichard and Oliver Gebhardt; brothers John McShane, Jr. (Katy) and Patrick McShane (Stephanie); sister Maggie McShane (John de Souza); nephews and nieces Ben, Sally, Jack, Frank, Hugh, Harry, and Rowan; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John McShane, Sr. and Janet Courtney McShane, and siblings Daniel, Christine, and Kevin McShane. Born March 15, 1953 in Indianapolis, Betsy was the second of seven children. Her take-charge ambition led her to graduate early from both Shortridge High School in Indianapolis as well as the University of Dayton, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education, cum laude. Betsy’s career took her from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and subsequently St. Louis, where she focused on financial, legal, and higher education human resources. Betsy earned her Master of Arts in Management, with distinction, from Webster University, where prior to her retirement, she was Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer. Betsy took pride in her more than 25 years of human resources leadership experience, overseeing and developing programs and initiatives to attract and retain employees in corporate and higher education settings. Colleagues appreciated her professionalism and tireless dedication, as well as her ongoing advocacy for creating policies and conditions to improve the workplace. She was known for her attention to detail and standing firm for what she believed was right and just, even when it would risk her landing in less-than-favorable positions. Betsy took this same approach to service, and was deeply passionate about community equity and social justice. She served in many capacities with nonprofit organizations in St. Louis, most notably Beyond Housing and most recently as a Board Member of the Diversity Awareness Partnership. Betsy was happiest being around the water, whether at Lake Maxinkuckee in northern Indiana, her beloved Blue House in Litchfield, IL, or by the gulf in Perdido Key, FL. She could always be found nose-deep in a book, or pointing out native birds by memory. She will be remembered as a loving grandmother with an intense commitment to holiday traditions, who was overjoyed to see her family continue to grow. A private family service is planned with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diversity Awareness Partnership in St. Louis, MO, or the Daniel C. McShane Memorial Scholarship at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, IN.