Betty Masters Obituary

Betty (Schmitz) Masters (formerly Mueller) passed at the age 84 on April 23, 2025. Betty was born in Jefferson City, MO on August 31, 1940 to Henry (Harry) M. Schmitz and Elizabeth (Pfenenger) Quigley (formerly Schmitz).
As a lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Betty was a respected and loved member of the local community throughout her life and career.
Betty was baptized at St. Peter Catholic Church, attended St. Peter Grade and High School, and ultimately graduated from Helias High School in 1958. Her class had the honor of being the second graduating class of the recently opened Helias High School. While her children were young, she became a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church later returning to St. Peter. She was a member and actively involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter of the Immaculata Club for over 60 years.
Betty was a devoted working mother to three energetic children. She encouraged her children to participate in school and community activities by volunteering her spare time helping organize and attend extracurricular activities such as boy and girl scouts, baseball, basketball, band, and spirit/cheer events. She was always present to cheer on and support her children. With only so many hours in a day, she set aside her own dreams to give her children a happy and stable childhood.
After raising her children and while working full-time, Betty was finally able to pursue her education at Lincoln University graduating Summa Cum Laude (tied for Salutatorian) in 1985. She continued her education graduating in 1991 with her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri School of Law at the age of 50. She was sworn in as a member of the Missouri Bar in September 1991 shortly after her 51st birthday. A dream of hers finally realized.
Betty was employed by the State of Missouri for thirty-five years. During this time, she worked in various agencies such as the Missouri Personnel Division, the Department of Welfare, the Division of Employment Security, the Missouri House of Representatives, Governor Joseph Teasdale's Office, and finally completing her government service as an attorney and Chief Bill Drafter for the Committee on Legislative Research where she retired in 2000.
Her government career led her to meet her husband Frank Masters. Frank was her biggest supporter and encouraged her to pursue her Juris Doctorate degree. They fell in love and eventually married in 1997 spending nearly 20 years together before Frank's passing in 2016.
Frank and Betty shared a love of travel. They enjoyed ocean and river cruising, travel opportunities through Central Bank's Classic Travel Club, and immersing themselves in educational learning opportunities through Road Scholar. They also shared a love of family and entertaining. They hosted many gatherings of friends and family at their homes in Jefferson City and at the Lake of the Ozarks.
After Frank's passing, Betty relocated to Bluffton SC to be near her daughter for nearly 4 years, but her heart always remained in Jefferson City. She ultimately returned to Jefferson City making her home at Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community.
Betty enjoyed playing Mexican Train, attending exercise classes, participating in walking group, conversing over dinner with friends, and attending the various musical, social and spiritual events offered at Heisinger. She was outgoing and loved to participate in all the social opportunities. So much so, that she managed to always get her picture in the News Tribune participating in Heisinger sponsored events. It was clear the photographers loved Betty's energy and smile. It became a running joke with her kids that she was the most photographed resident of Heisinger.
Betty is survived by her son Douglas Mueller (Valerie), Jefferson City, MO, her daughter Connie Stewart (Glenn), Bluffton SC, her daughter-in law Emily Mueller, Bluffton SC, two grandsons, Steven Brandon Mueller (Cristy), Kansas City, KS, and Bradley Mueller, St. Louis, MO, one great granddaughter Kayla Fain (Willard), Douglas, GA, and a great-great grandson Weston Fain, due May 2025. She is also survived by many friends, especially her two dearest friends Carolyn Lineberry and Sandra Rhea. Their love, patience, advice, and assistance helped Betty and her family through a very difficult time.
Preceding her in death were her parents Henry M. Schmitz and Elizabeth Quigley, her husband Frank Masters, her brother Henry W. Schmitz, and her son Steven Mueller.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter Catholic Church with the Reverend Thomas Alber officiating.
Private graveside services and entombment will be held at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery for immediate family only.
A celebration of life will be held at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2693 following services.
The family wishes to thank the loving and caring support of Compassus Hospice of Jefferson City and The Heisinger Assisted Living (Riverview) nursing team. Because of your training, compassion, and support our mother was able to complete her journey to be with Jesus with the loving support of her family by her side.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Helias Foundation, 1312 Southwest Blvd., Suite 103, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
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