Natalia Schamehorn

As friends and family will certainly attest, Natalia Schamehorn was a shining example of compassion and grace. She had a remarkable gift for caring for others, always putting the needs of those she loved before her own. In every season of life, she drew strength from her steadfast faith in the Lord she loved so deeply. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Natalia was happiest when surrounded by family. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her thoughtful kindness touched countless lives. Already so greatly missed, Natalia will be forever loved and cherished.

The early 1960s were an exciting time in America. The Civil Rights Movement was changing the nation, while artists like The Beatles and The Beach Boys filled the airwaves, and television favorites such as The Andy Griffith Show entertained families each week. During this memorable era, Reno and Betty Santori eagerly awaited the arrival of their second child. On New Year's Day, January 1, 1962, they welcomed their daughter, Natalia, into the world.

Natalia enjoyed a happy childhood filled with laughter and adventure. She was raised in the family home as the only girl among her three brothers, Reno, Mark, and Tim. The Santori children had their share of mischievous moments, including one memorable prank when they stole a fast-food restaurant sign and planted it in a neighbor's yard, only to see the story featured on the local news the next day.

From a young age, Natalia understood the value of hard work. She helped at her family's Green Valley Golf Club in Sturgis, making sure her chores and responsibilities were finished before spending time with friends.

Natalia attended Holy Angels Catholic School through the eighth grade, where she formed lifelong friendships and became involved in cheerleading. At Sturgis High School, she continued cheering while also excelling as an athlete, earning a state championship in golf. She loved spending time with friends, celebrating simple pleasures like sharing hamburgers and orange drinks at McDonald's after it finally opened in town. Whether dancing around the house or laughing with friends, Natalia's joy was contagious.

As a young woman, Natalia spent time living in Bradenton, Florida, where she worked at the Steak and Ale Restaurant. After the heartbreaking loss of her older brother, Reno, she returned home to Michigan and attended cosmetology school. Around that time, she met Kevin Schamehorn at a birthday party. Although Kevin would never admit it, he spent the evening following Natalia around, and his persistence paid off. By the end of the night, they were holding hands. Natalia admired Kevin's humility, kindness, and quiet strength, and he never failed to make her laugh. Together they built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and playful teasing.

Becoming a mother was Natalia's greatest dream, and she and Kevin were overjoyed to welcome their daughters, Taylor, Hunter, and Tara. Her family was the center of her world. Together they created treasured memories on vacations to Disney World, where the girls especially loved Splash Mountain. They rode it so many times in a row that the operators simply let them stay on. Family trips to Florida and North Carolina became cherished traditions, and their beloved dog, Muffin, was every bit a member of the family. In her final days, Muffin's blanket brought Natalia comfort.

Everyone who knew Natalia recognized how deeply she embraced motherhood. She wanted her daughters to feel safe, supported, and endlessly loved. She stayed awake until she knew they were safely home and was always ready with a listening ear, thoughtful advice, and unwavering encouragement. Even after her daughters were grown, they could count on seeing their mom standing at the window, waving goodbye as they left. Natalia devoted herself with the same selfless love to caring for Kevin and for her parents.

Faith remained the foundation of Natalia's life. A devoted member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, she nurtured her relationship with God through daily prayer and listening to the Hallow app. She also found joy in life's simple pleasures. She hosted spirited cribbage tournaments, complete with trophies for the winners. She enjoyed watching 90 Day Fiancé and could happily watch Just Go With It again and again. A true foodie, Natalia once won a giant pizza-eating challenge with a friend and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy her favorite Mexican restaurants, especially Los Amigos. She also had a well-known fondness for Amazon deliveries, sometimes placing several orders in a single day. One of her favorite recent memories was visiting her dear friends, Val and Doug, in Florida, where she spent relaxing afternoons floating in the pool with a cocktail in hand.

Kindhearted, gracious, and an inspiration to all who knew and loved her, Natalia Schamehorn truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She loved her friends and family fiercely and unconditionally, and there was nowhere she would rather be than holding her loved ones close. Although she is already so dearly missed, Natalia leaves behind a legacy of faith and humility that we can be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Natalia Schamehorn of Kalamazoo, age 64, died on June 25, 2026. Natalia was born January 1, 1962 in Detroit. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kevin; and her brother, Reno Santori. Surviving are her children: Taylor, Hunter, and Tara; parents, Reno and Betty Santori; brothers, Mark Santori and Tim Santori; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Thursday, July 2, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Natalia’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan Mast ALS Foundation or St. Catherine of Siena Parish.