Myrtle Elizabeth "Betty" Lorentz

     Myrtle Elizabeth “Betty” Lorentz was born at home on August 28th, 1936 in Benwood, West “By God” Virginia to parents Florence and John Burley.

     Betty grew up in Benwood along the Ohio River. She was the youngest of 5 children. At about the age of 15 she had a crush on a young boy, named Albert. Each day she would run home from school so she could watch the young man wearing orange sneakers and a railroad cap walk by her house. She married that man 3 years later and became Mrs. Albert M. Lorentz.

     In his army days, Betty moved with him to New Jersey, and then Alabama, where they had their first baby Albert Jr, and after a short stay in Texas, army life ended, and in 1962 they settled in California.

     After 7 years in Santa Ana, they moved to their forever home in Newbury Park with their now family of 5. By 1974 they had a total of 6 children! After Albert Jr, there were Marcy, Gregory, Beth, and twins; Charles and Sean. That house was often cluttered with toys, but it was always clean in the cracks and crevices, and full of love and laughter.

     Our home was the gathering place for so many over the years. She often referred to our house as Grand Central Station. Betty was always involved with her children. She loved going to their baseball games, camping, playing old records, and she was always singing. Life with our mother was never boring. She was probably the wittiest person you’d ever meet. She was the master of comebacks and wisecracks. Even when she was mad and yelling at you, she’d end up saying something that would make you giggle.

     Mom was an amazing and loving grandmother to 11 children. She was always their magic circle, whether running from their parents or each other, once you made it into her arms, you were safe!

     Betty was always the life of any party and the warm, loving heart of our family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Bible Verse John 14:1-3

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director