Bettye Jo Dritch

Bettye Jo Dritch, 87, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on October 16, 2011. Bettye was born September 23, 1924 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Clarence Otis and Lawanda Monet Nash. She grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma and attended Ponca City High School. She was married twice in her lifetime. In 1942, she married Neil S. Utberg and they had a daughter Joan C. Utberg. In 1947, she married Sam R. Dritch and they had two daughters, Deborah D. Dritch and Michele D. Dritch. She raised her three daughters in Ponca City¸ Oklahoma. Bettye was an avid cook and homemaker. She also worked outside the home when her daughters were older. Through the years, Bettye lived a very active life. She enjoyed golf, bowling and traveling. She was a member of many civic organizations including the Pythian Sisters, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha service organization. While her daughters were in school, she volunteered as a Campfire Girls leader. She was also a member of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America while in Ponca City. Bettye was a beautiful woman with much poise, grace and charm. She had many lasting friendships and everyone always enjoyed her company. After many years in Ponca City, she and her husband Sam R. Dritch, relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas where she was the apartment manager for the Tanglewood apartments until 1984 when they then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She and her husband, Sam R. Dritch, became members of Congregation B’nai Emunah. Bettye continued to lead an active life making new friends wherever she lived. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam R. Dritch, in 1985. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses Joan U. and Dave C. Benesh of San Antonio, Texas, Deborah D. and Richard B. Evans of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Michele D. Dunn of Denver, Colorado and her brother Bill J. Nash and his wife Mary, of Hastings, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Brad McNeese, Lisa Charvat, Sherri Jackson, John Todd DuVall, Jennifer Dodd, Brian Benesh and Brooke Adamson. She was also known and loved by her twelve great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held October 19, 2011 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma and officiated by Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman of Congregation B’nai Emunah. Contributions in her memory may be made to Seasons Hospice, 6532 E. 71st Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 or your favorite charitable organization. FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151

Bettye Jo Dritch

September 23, 1924 - October 16, 2011