Betty Lee Gooderl Seprodi

Betty Lee Gooderl Seprodi passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022, surrounded by family. Betty was a shining example of the type of love, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness, and empathy that exemplifies the good in humanity.

Betty was born on March 12th, 1925, in Holton, Kansas to parents Raymond Gooderl and Ruth Anna Winters Gooderl. She was the only girl of four siblings. Betty was raised in Hiawatha, Kansas until the family moved to Waynesville, Missouri during her senior year of high school. She graduated from Waynesville High school, where she won the title of Miss Tige, an award given for kindness and compassion.

While in Waynesville, Betty met her future husband, Louis Seprodi, a soldier stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. They were married on December 8th, 1943, at the USO in Waynesville, Missouri. Betty and Louis went on to have 13 children.  Betty spent her life nurturing the souls of children. Not only those of her 13 children but, also her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family friends, children of St. Patrick’s Church, and any other child that had the fortune to cross her path. Betty once said that her goal is for “each child to realize his or her worth and value as a person in his or her own right”. She succeeded, as she left those around her feeling so loved and so special.

Betty spent her life leading and teaching by example. A life of compassion, empathy, acceptance, and love. Her door was always open, no matter the circumstance. Friend, family, or stranger was welcome in her home. When she had little, she gave all she had. No one was ever turned away or left for want if they came to her door. Betty, without exception, looked for and found the good in others. Without fail, she led with love and compassion always.

Betty was devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Her devotion to God and Catholicism helped guide her path. She loved her Catholic faith.  She was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Parish and was extremely active in serving the church for over 75 years. She was a member of the Board of Education, St. Patrick’s parish council, the altar society, the Shamrockers, a communion minister, and a lector. She also led the first bible study group for St. Patrick’s Parish. Betty was a founding organizer for the youth religious education ministry. She worked with this ministry for over 25 years and earned several deanery awards for her work during this time. The passion that she had for youth education is evident in the love and affection that her former students, now adults, continue to have for her today.

Betty was a member of the parent club at both Schulte High School and St. Patrick’s School. She was also a member of Marine Corps Mothers during the Vietnam War. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a member of The Hungarian Hall.  Betty was active in her community in countless other ways as well, whether doing volunteer work, or just being a helping hand and safe landing space for others.

Betty’s patience, love, and humor served as an inspiration for everyone around her. We all worshipped the ground she walked on.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Louis Seprodi, her parents, her daughters Sandra Torpy and Mary Neal, her brothers and their wives, William and Betty Gooderl, Raymond and Mary Alice Gooderl, and Robert Gooderl. She was also preceded in death by son-in-laws Gary Shook and Robert Magallanez.

Betty is survived by her sister-in-law Esther Gooderl, sons Louis, William, Patrick, Tim and wife Trude, Donald and wife Deborah, all of Terre Haute, Ronald and wife Shelly of Gilbertsville, KY, and John and wife Peggy of Plainfield, IN., daughters Janis Shook, Ann Magallanez, Elizabeth, and Julie, all of Terre Haute. She is also survived by many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, as well as daughter-in-law Ceil Seprodi and sons-in-law Richard Neal and Kevin White.

Visitation is Sunday, November 20th, 2022 from 4pm-8pm at St. Patrick Church.  Mass of Resurrection is Monday, November 21st, 2022 at 12pm at St. Patrick Church. Burial Services will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Patrick Church, St. Patrick School, or St. Patrick Soup Kitchen.

“People make different choices. This is the way we chose to live. And I don’t have any regrets.” – Betty Seprodi.

Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com .