Franklin
Betty “Betz” Wade passed from this life on Oct. 30, 2022, at age 90, in Franklin, Ind. An accomplished watercolorist, she approached each day ready to paint. Her portfolio ranged from rustic Hoosier barns, fresh market flowers and colorful gold leaf abstracts to herons, pelicans and shorelines of Florida’s Treasure Coast. She thoroughly enjoyed studying with different artists to learn new techniques, masterfully capturing light and shadows in the natural world.
Betty was born in West Lafayette, Ind., graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in home economics, applied design, with additional study at Indianapolis Art Center. She married David Wade of Indianapolis, and together they shared 65 years of love and life partnership until his death.
Betty and Dave lived with their growing family in Indianapolis and Martinsville, Ind., retiring to Vero Beach, Florida, to enjoy sunny days of golf, Indian River grapefruit and daily coffee with friends at BK.
She was predeceased by her parents, Edgar and Catherine Schroyer, son Stephen and brother Edgar “Bud” Schroyer Jr.
She is survived by her children, Clare Wade, Jeanette (Michael) Method, Michael (Karen) Wade, Catherine Wade, Marilyn (Jeff) Belkiewitz and John Wade, sister Martha (Harry) Hudlow and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty was a doer, and extremely generous with her time and talent—leading, teaching and volunteering. She operated an art gallery in Martinsville, a welcoming space for customers and “drop-in classes” for her grandchildren. She was a 4-H and Girl Scout leader, led Sunday school art projects, taught watercolor workshops, sewed doll clothes, painted a mural at First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach, created banners, wreaths, ornaments and cards, and donated her art for holiday bazaars.
Betty also managed her children’s daily schedules and escapades, joyfully handing over the keys so the older ones could drive the younger ones to school and sporting events. She loved games and gatherings, always ready to break into song or do a few dance steps.
Throughout her career, Betty earned professional honors including Art By The Sea-Best of Show by Vero Beach Art Club, Watercolor Society of Indiana-Merit Awards, Hoosier Salon-Purchase Awards and Indiana Artists Club-Merit Awards. Her work in juried exhibits included Watercolor Society of Indiana, Aqueous Exhibition of Kentucky Watercolor Society, 12th Annual Watercolor Show of Panama City, Florida, Indianapolis Art 500, Anderson Winter Show and Indiana Artists Club Annual Exhibit. Galleries showing her work include Artists Guild Gallery, Vero Beach; Brown County Art Guild, Nashville, Ind.; Riverhouse Gallery, Roscoe, New York; and sales and rental galleries of Lafayette Museum of Art and Indianapolis Museum of Art. The most cherished galleries are everyday displays of her art in the homes of family and friends.
A gathering to honor Betty will be held Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m., at Art Sanctuary, 190 N. Sycamore St., Martinsville, Ind. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider a gift to Art Sanctuary for youth programming or other organization that makes a difference in the lives of others. Franklin, Indiana Betty Wade
