Betty Ruth C. Malatt

It is with deep sadness that the Shanaberger family shares the passing of Betty Malatt on Friday, April 21, 2023 of Boonsboro. Betty was a loving and loyal mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, and friend whom we will dearly miss.  She just celebrated her 87th birthday.

Betty was born on April 12, 1936 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Charles E. and Bernice V. Lawrence Craighead. Betty led a colorful, adventuresome, and truly joy-filled life. Losing her father at the age of eight and her mother at the age of 16, some would ask where her ability came from to love so deeply. To her it just came naturally. In 1952, Betty wed Carl Shanaberger.

They had four children by the time she was 22. Growing up in her home was the place to be. There was always room for extras! A home that exuded love, laughter, heartache and generosity; that’s what Betty created. You didn’t know Betty long before you felt the love she had for you. 

For her 70th birthday she took a missions trip to Malawi, Africa, where she shared her love with orphaned children. By then she had already been on a missions trip to Thailand. Each time, sharing her love, talents and smile. Her passion in life was people. Even up until her last days she was sharing her humor and smiles with everyone that visited. 

She had an unending wealth of knowledge that she was always happy to share. Betty loved to teach and everyone that knew her loved to learn from her. 

Betty is survived by her daughter, Susan Shanaberger Steelman, and son, Michael and his wife, Arlene, Shanaberger. Betty’s grandchildren, with decades of fond and colorful memories, are Julia Eichelberger, Carly Eichelberger and her husband, David Smith, Deana Eichelberger, Iain Shanaberger, Marshall Shanaberger, Riley Shanaberger and her husband, Justin Bussard, Colin Shanaberger and his wife, Mandy, Benjamin Steelman and his wife, Sarah Herbst, Kristina Steelman, Lori Dabbondanza and her husband, David Harman, and Philip Shanaberger; as well as many great-grandchildren; and a steadfast and loyal presence to countless friends. 

Betty was preceded in glory by husbands, Carl Shanaberger, Len Gilbert and Doug Malatt; her daughter, Karen Eichelberger; her son, Mark Shanaberger; her grandchildren, Eddie Steelman, Scott Dabbondanza and Daniel Dabbondanza; her great-granddaughter, Danielle Holiday; and her son-in-law, Eddie Steelman, Sr. 

No words could ever fully encapsulate Betty at a single memorial service, nonetheless, we will celebrate the wonderful life this amazing woman lived. Her celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro with Pastor Tom Fry officiating. Final resting place ceremonies will be held at Boonsboro Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening, April 27th at the funeral home in Boonsboro. In the meantime, please continue to share her stories, she would be honored if you did.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.