Dolores Mary Betz

Dolores Mary Betz, age 94, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, July 14th, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dolores ("Dee") was born on January 27th, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Joseph and Idabelle Rossi. She graduated from Sparrows Point High School where at the age of 16 she met her lifetime sweetheart Theodore ("Ted") William Betz. They married on June 30th, 1950, and began their life together in Dundalk, Maryland. Ted's career in the Defense Industry along with a mutual sense of adventure led to many opportunities for Dee and Ted to relocate. A nearby move to their first house in Glen Burnie, Maryland was followed by a series of journeys (and many houses!) that included moves to Winter Park, FL in 1959, Florissant, Missouri in 1965, Barrington, East Providence and Bristol Rhode Island starting in 1967 and on to Seekonk, Massachusetts in 1978. In 1981, they returned to their beloved Florida where they spent the remainder of their nearly 60-year marriage before Ted passed away on July 25th, 2009. Dee and Ted operated as a pair and made many friends in many places. It is safe to say that their greatest joy was sharing the Gospel and discipling fellow believers particularly through Bible studies held in their home. Their stated goal was "to go to heaven and take as many people with us as possible". Dee loved to teach in these settings. Dee created a lovely and comforting home for her family not to mention a welcoming spirit that encouraged friends of all ages to join for meals and good times together. She was also an excellent cook, craft maker, painter, woodworker and loved to read. Additionally, while living in central Florida during the early sixties and again later in life, Dee developed a special and enduring interest and affection for the space program. She is survived by her daughter Valerie Lynne Betz of Oxford, Florida; son Jay A. Betz and daughter-in-law, Maya R. Betz (Nicholson) of Tulsa; grandchildren Aaron Betz, Kaelyn Betz and Adam Betz and his wife Kayt Betz and their children Lewis and Violet Betz, all of Tulsa. Dee is also survived by her sister Jo Carol Kelly of Clermont, Florida. She is also preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Idabelle Rossi and sisters Joyce Stiner and Arline Ceretta. A service of remembrance is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, July 22nd at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in memory of Dolores to Joni and Friends at https://joniandfriends.org/ or to the charity of your choice.

Dolores Mary Betz

January 27, 1929 - July 14, 2023