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Betty Jane Lortz

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Dunlap, Iowa — Betty Jane Lortz, 98, Dunlap, Iowa, died peacefully Oct. 18, 2020, at Dunlap Specialty Care, Dunlap, Iowa.

A Family Graveside Service was officiated by Pastor Russ Lambert at the Coleridge Cemetery, Coleridge, Oct. 22.

Jeff Sharp, Wendi Tonder, Jack Lortz, Ellie Tonder, Abby Tonder, Megan Sharp, and Gabe Sharp served as Honorary Casketbearers for the service.

Pauley Jones Pfannebecker Funeral Home assisted the family with the services.

Betty Jane Drewelow, the daughter of Wellington and June (Blanchard) Drewelow, was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Wesley, Iowa. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Omaha, where she grew up. She enjoyed going to movies at the Orpheum Theatre and riding the city street cars to go places. Betty graduated from Omaha North High School with the class of 1939. Following high school, she went to Iowa State University, majoring in home economics education. While attending ISU, Betty met Harry “Doc” Lortz, who was studying to become a veterinarian. Betty married Doc Aug. 8, 1942, at Grant City, Mo. They made their home in Earlham, Iowa, and they were blessed with the birth of two children, Sandi and John. In 1950, they moved to Coleridge, where Doc worked out of their house as a veterinarian. Betty worked for him, answering the phones, doing clerical work and helping with the animals. They retired in 1977. Following retirement Betty and Doc moved to Ames, Iowa, where they enjoyed attending ISU sporting events. In 1993, they moved to Yankton, S.D., where they resided until 2015, when they moved to Dunlap Specialty Care, Dunlap, Iowa.

Wherever Betty and Doc lived, they were members of the Lutheran Church. Betty enjoyed being involved with church groups. Betty was once a 4-H leader and Cub Scout leader

Betty loved caring for cats and dogs, working in her flower gardens, sewing and baking. There were always cookies and pies available when anyone stopped by. Her specialties were apple pie and apricot jam. Betty always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude toward life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Doc; and her brother, Bob Drewelow.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandi Sharp, and her husband, Jim, Arion, Iowa; son, John Lortz, and his wife, Susan Leavitt, Omaha; grandchildren, Jeff Sharp, Columbus, Ohio; Wendi Tonder and her husband, Eric, Fairmont, Minn.; Jack Lortz, Omaha; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Abby Tonder, and Megan and Gabe Sharp; other relatives and friends.