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(Nov. 22, 1923 - June 13, 2015)
Betty Lou Cousino died on June 13, 2015, surrounded by many members of her family. She was 91.
She was born Elizabeth Louise Pfeiffer on Nov. 22, 1923, to Margaret and Ralph Pfeiffer in Natrona, Pennsylvania.
Betty was raised Catholic. She was an excellent student and was promoted to high school at age 12, graduating at age 16. She attended college at Wayne State University seeking a degree in fashion and management.
She met and married Elmer Schneider in the fall of 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1943, they welcomed their first child, Jerry. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter, Janice. Due to circumstances early in life, Betty raised her children as a single mom and began a career in the fashion industry.
During her career, she became a buyer in women’s fashion and spent a lot of time in New York City.
In 1975, Betty Lou moved to Cody to be near her children, Janice and Jerry, and their growing families.
Betty reunited with longtime family friend Ervin Cousino sparking what came to be a love of a lifetime. They married shortly after reuniting and lived the ultimate love story. They shared a passion for God, for life, and for their families.
They spent the next 20 years working at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. After her retirement, she and Ervin enjoyed traveling in their RV around the United States and painting wildflowers every chance she got. Family was very important to Betty and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Betty Lou was a true matriarch of her family. She was a teacher of faith, grace, and love to those around her.
Betty is survived by her children Jerry and Mickey Schneider, Janice and Dennis Beaudrie, and stepchildren Roxie Ferguson, Karen and Bob Smith, and George and Carol Cousino. God blessed her with 90-plus grand, great- and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on June 18 at The Church of St. Anthony in Cody. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Cemetery. An online memorial is available at www.ballardfh.com.
